Remote Device Incoming Call via Dynamic IMSI Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In machine-to-machine communication, remote devices sharing a Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) cannot receive incoming calls due to the shared unique identifier, leading to increased service charges and operational limitations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow incoming calls to remote devices by transmitting a secondary International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) with a configuration instruction defining a time slot to the SIM card, enabling the device to activate the secondary IMSI during that time slot and receive incoming calls based on a second MSISDN, which is temporarily allocated and can be reassigned to other devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If remote devices share a unique MSISDN to reduce service charges, then service charges are reduced, but incoming calls cannot be initiated towards the remote devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically assigns a secondary IMSI and corresponding MSISDN to the remote device for specific time slots when incoming calls are required. The SIM card stores multiple IMSIs and activates the appropriate one based on the time slot, transforming the static shared MSISDN arrangement into a dynamic multi-identity system that enables both cost efficiency and incoming call capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A network entity acts as an intermediary between the remote device and the cellular network. This intermediary manages the assignment of secondary IMSIs and MSISDNs, coordinates time slot allocations, and facilitates the incoming call setup by routing calls through the appropriate identity, thereby enabling incoming calls without requiring permanent dedicated identifiers for each device.
2Device complexity
If remote devices share a unique MSISDN, then the number of identifiers is reduced, but communication can only be initiated by the remote devices
Solution Approach 1:
The communication capability is segmented into different identity modes: the primary IMSI/MSISDN for outgoing calls and device identification, and a secondary IMSI/MSISDN for receiving incoming calls. The system segments the time into different slots where different identities are activated, allowing the same physical device to fulfill multiple communication roles without requiring multiple permanent identifier sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the active identity parameter (IMSI/MSISDN) based on the communication direction required. By switching between primary and secondary identities through time slot management, the system adapts the device's identifier parameter to match the current communication needs, enabling both outgoing and incoming calls with a shared device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a secondary IMSI is allocated to enable incoming calls, then incoming call capability is enabled, but the identifier cannot be reassigned to other devices
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary IMSI assignment is implemented as a periodic, time-sliced resource allocation rather than a permanent assignment. The network entity allocates the secondary IMSI for specific time slots, and after the allocated period expires, the identifier becomes available for reassignment to other devices. This periodic action pattern enables both incoming call capability and efficient identifier reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary IMSI/MSISDN assignment is designed as a temporary, short-lived resource allocation rather than a permanent one. The identifier serves its purpose of enabling incoming calls for a specific duration and then becomes available for reassignment, similar to a disposable resource that fulfills its function and is then discarded or reused, maximizing the utilization efficiency of the identifier pool.
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for providing an incoming call, through a cellular network (3), to a remote device (1) sharing a first Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) with other remote devices (1) and having a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM, 2) storing a primary International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) corresponding to the first Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN), the method comprising: - receiving a call from the remote device (1), the call being based on the primary International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) of the remote device; - establishing a communication channel with the remote device (1) in response to receiving the call based on the primary International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI); - transmitting, through the established communication channel, to the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM, 2) of the remote device (1) a secondary International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) corresponding to a second Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) with an associated configuration instruction defining a time slot to cause the remote device (1) to activate the secondary International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) during the associated time slot in order to allow incoming call based on the second Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) towards the remote device (1) during the associated time slot.