Entitlement Server SIM Update via IP Query
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SIM update processes for mobile communication devices often cause congestion in SMS messaging channels, leading to delays in delivering over-the-air updates due to the high volume of SMS messages required for large-scale updates.
Innovation Solution
A flexible SIM configuration process that allows User Equipment (UE) to query an Entitlement Server for SIM deltas via Internet Protocol (IP) HTTP communication, with a backup channel through a Short Message Service Center (SMSC), enabling near real-time updates and managing the update load by staggering device callbacks in time and geographical regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional SIM update processes use SMS messaging channels for large-scale updates, then SIM configuration data can be delivered to user equipment, but network congestion occurs and delivery delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an entitlement server as an intermediary component that mediates between the SIM configuration repository and user equipment. This server receives SIM update inquiries from UEs, queries the repository for appropriate configuration data, and manages the distribution process, thereby reducing direct SMS channel congestion while ensuring reliable delivery of SIM updates.
2Productivity
If high volume SIM updates are sent through SMS channels to reach a large number of devices, then coverage is improved, but network congestion increases and system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SIM update distribution system into distinct functional components: a SIM configuration repository for storing update data, an entitlement server for managing update inquiries and authorization, and user equipment for receiving updates. This segmentation allows the system to handle large volumes of updates efficiently by distributing the workload across multiple components rather than overwhelming a single SMS channel.
3Speed
If SIM update inquiries are processed simultaneously for all user equipment, then update speed is improved, but network load and congestion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the entitlement server, which processes SIM update inquiries from user equipment at regulated intervals rather than all simultaneously. The server manages the timing and pacing of update distributions, querying the SIM configuration repository and delivering updates to UEs in a staggered manner that maintains update speed while preventing network overload.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided of updating Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data in a user equipment (UE) associated with a wireless communication service provider. An entitlement server receives a UE SIM update inquiry from a UE, the inquiry including UE identifying information and UE stored SIM configuration identifying information. The entitlement server sends a SIM update inquiry to a SIM configuration repository, the inquiry including the UE identifying information and the UE stored SIM configuration identifying information. The entitlement server receives a SIM status message from the SIM configuration repository, the message indicating whether SIM configuration data stored in the SIM configuration repository is more recent than the UE stored SIM configuration. The entitlement server sends a SIM update response to the UE, the UE SIM update response including the SIM status message.