eSIM Multi-IMSI Profile Provisioning via OTA
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eSIM provisioning methods are inefficient and costly, particularly when IoT devices need to switch between multiple cellular networks, as they require physical SIM card swapping or manual updates, which can be time-consuming and power-intensive, and often incur high fees from mobile network operators.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for provisioning an eSIM with a single enhanced SIM profile that includes creating an eSIM card with a multi-IMSI profile, initiating a subscription management data exchange, and configuring the eSIM using over-the-air (OTA) methods to support multiple international mobile subscriber identity profiles, allowing devices to connect to various networks without physical changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical SIM cards are used for network connectivity, then devices can connect to cellular networks, but switching networks requires physical card swapping which is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical SIM card swapping system with an electronic/profile-based system. The eSIM device stores multiple network profiles electronically, allowing network switching through software commands rather than physical card removal and insertion. This eliminates the mechanical operations entirely and enables remote provisioning and switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-provisions the eSIM device with multiple network profiles during manufacturing or initial setup. These profiles are stored in the eSIM's secure memory, ready for activation. When network switching is needed, the device can immediately activate a pre-stored profile without requiring external physical intervention or time-consuming downloads.
2Reliability
If manual SIM card updates are performed for remote devices, then network connectivity can be maintained, but the process requires physical access which is inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The eSIM device autonomously manages its own network profiles without requiring external physical intervention. The device can receive profile updates, activations, and switches remotely through wireless communication. The system enables self-service provisioning where the device independently downloads and activates new profiles or switches between existing profiles based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote provisioning system that acts as an intermediary between network operators and the eSIM device. This intermediary system enables over-the-air profile downloads and updates, eliminating the need for physical access. The intermediary handles secure authentication, profile delivery, and activation commands remotely.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network profiles are supported in eSIM, then devices can connect to various networks, but traditional methods require excessive data bandwidth and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by maintaining only the necessary network profiles in active memory rather than loading all possible profiles simultaneously. The eSIM stores multiple profiles in compact form and selectively activates only the needed profiles based on location, service requirements, or operational context. This reduces the energy required for profile management while maintaining multi-network adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for provisioning an embedded SIM (eSIM) with an enhanced SIM profile are provided. The method includes creating an eSIM card with a single enhanced SIM profile on a connected device, wherein the created eSIM includes at least an applet; initiating a subscription management data exchange between the eSIM card and various components of a cellular network; initiating a bootstrap control of the applet to restart the eSIM; and configuring the eSIM with the plurality of multi-international mobile subscriber identity (multi-IMSI) profiles and actions related to IMSI profiles, wherein the configuration is performed using over-the-air (OTA) configuration, thereby configuring the enhanced SIM profile with plurality IMSI profiles.