Dynamic Network Profile Management via eSIM Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cellular network profiles are insufficiently granular, failing to provide the necessary flexibility for user-configurable and dynamically changing devices, which limits control over feature access and increases costs due to the need for stocking multiple devices with different profiles.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) with a network subscription management module and a database of customizable network profiles, allowing users to select and update profiles based on device capabilities and preferences, enabling dynamic profile management and reducing the need for multiple device profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional M2M and consumer network profiles are used, then device access to network features is established, but flexibility and user control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The network profile is segmented into multiple independent components including capability indicators, feature sets, and pricing parameters. This allows the system to break down the traditional monolithic profile into manageable segments that can be independently selected and configured, enabling flexible customization without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal profile framework that can serve multiple device types and use cases through a common structure. The standardized capability indicators and feature sets allow the same profile management system to handle diverse devices (M2M, consumer, IoT) uniformly, reducing the need for device-specific profile management complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices with different profiles are stocked, then diverse network feature access is provided, but inventory costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of stocking multiple physical devices with different hardwired profiles, the system uses software-based profile copies that can be dynamically assigned to devices. The capability indicators and feature sets can be replicated and distributed electronically, allowing the same physical device to serve multiple profile types without requiring actual hardware variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile assignment system transitions from static, hardware-bound profiles to dynamic, software-configurable profiles. Devices can have their network capabilities and feature access changed on-demand through profile downloads and updates, eliminating the need to maintain static inventory of differently-profiled devices.
3Ease of operation
If traditional network profiles are used, then basic network access is provided, but user control over feature selection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to self-configure their desired network features through the capability indicator framework. Users can select from predefined feature sets that match their needs, and the system automatically configures the appropriate profile without requiring deep technical knowledge or complex manual configuration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile management system incorporates feedback mechanisms where user selections and device capabilities are continuously communicated between the user interface and the profile configuration system. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust profile settings based on user preferences and device actual capabilities, simplifying the configuration process while maintaining user control.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing greater granularity and updatability to network profiles. The system can include a subscription management application program interface (SMA) to receive setup information, user preferences, software, hardware, and firmware updates from a user cell phone, computer, or smart device (collectively, end-point) regarding what features the user wishes to access. The SMA can access a profile lookup table to identify a profile with the requested attributes. A subscription management module (SMM) can receive this information from the SMA and retrieved the profile requested by the SMA from a repository of profiles. The SMM can then download or activate the profile with features that match, or most closely match, the requested features onto the end-point. The system can enable providers to ship phones with no network profiles. The system can also enable profiles to be updated based on changes in user preferences, updates, or other changes.