eSIM Activation Without IMSI Using Application Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device activation methods using eSIMs require access to a Wi-Fi network for connectivity and involve multiple steps and authentication challenges, making the signup process cumbersome and costly for manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows a mobile device to wirelessly couple to a packet data network of a mobile network operator without an international mobile subscriber identifier, using a mobile network API and an application identifier to bypass authentication, enabling seamless eSIM profile activation and subscription plan selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a device uses eSIM activation without an IMSI, then the activation process becomes simpler and faster, but the device cannot authenticate with the network using traditional methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism that mediates between the device without IMSI and the network. The system uses alternative identification methods and trusted intermediary components to enable authentication without traditional IMSI-based procedures, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified activation and reliable authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary authentication actions before eSIM profile download. The device performs initial network attachment and authentication procedures in advance, establishing trust and enabling subsequent eSIM activation without requiring IMSI during the actual activation process.
2Reliability
If the device connects to Wi-Fi for eSIM activation, then authentication can be performed, but the process becomes more complex and requires additional network infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the Wi-Fi dependency from the eSIM activation process. By removing the requirement for Wi-Fi connectivity and performing authentication directly through the cellular network using alternative methods, the system simplifies the activation process while maintaining authentication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using Wi-Fi as the primary authentication path (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using cellular network attachment as the primary authentication mechanism. This reversal eliminates the need for separate Wi-Fi connectivity and simplifies the overall process.
3Reliability
If manufacturers implement traditional eSIM activation procedures, then network security is maintained, but activation costs increase due to multiple authentication steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication and eSIM profile download processes into a single integrated flow. By combining these previously separate steps into one unified procedure, the system maintains security requirements while reducing the number of discrete authentication steps and associated costs for manufacturers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal authentication mechanism that serves multiple functions: network attachment, device identification, and eSIM profile authorization. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate authentication steps for each function, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes wirelessly coupling a device to a packet data network (PDN) of a mobile network operator (MNO), where the device does not have an international mobile subscriber identifier (IMSI). The method also includes obtaining, by the device, subscription plan information from the MNO using a first mobile network application programming interface (API) and an application identifier that enables the MNO to bypass an authentication requirement for invoking APIs. The method further includes receiving an input of a selected subscription plan from a user. In addition, the method includes receiving an embedded subscriber identification module (eSIM) profile for the device from the MNO based on the selected subscription plan.