eSIM Over-the-Air Provisioning for Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing use of removable physical SIM cards in wireless communication systems is cumbersome for users and costly for service providers, requiring multiple steps for activation and inventory management, and results in wasted expenses due to pre-provisioned SIM cards sitting in inventory.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) in user equipment (UE) devices, which can be personalized and provisioned over-the-air (OTA), simplifying the process of switching service providers and reducing costs for service providers by enabling just-in-time network-based provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If removable physical SIM cards are used, then service providers can provision subscribers, but users experience complexity in obtaining and installing SIM cards and switching providers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SIM card functionality from its physical form and embeds it directly into the UE device's hardware architecture. The eSIM is integrated as an embedded component that communicates with the network via wireless interfaces, eliminating the need for physical card handling while preserving subscriber identity and authentication functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical SIM card insertion and removal system with an electronic embedded SIM that communicates through wireless interfaces. The eSIM uses electronic provisioning mechanisms instead of physical handling, enabling remote configuration and provider switching without mechanical intervention.
2Productivity
If physical SIM cards are manufactured and stored in inventory, then service providers can provision subscribers, but service providers incur significant expenses for manufacturing, storage, shipping, and inventory management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the eSIM with common provisioning information during device manufacturing, such as communication protocols and network interface configurations. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for physical SIM card pre-provisioning and inventory maintenance, as the embedded SIM can be remotely activated and configured on-demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the SIM from a physical tangible object to a digital embedded component. This parameter change transforms the provisioning process from physical manufacturing and inventory management to electronic configuration and remote activation, eliminating costs associated with physical SIM card production and storage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical SIM cards are used, then subscribers can be identified in the network, but the process of switching service providers becomes cumbersome requiring removal of old SIM and installation of new SIM
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the eSIM configuration dynamically changeable through remote provisioning. Instead of requiring physical SIM replacement, the network can dynamically reconfigure the embedded SIM's subscriber identity and authentication parameters, enabling seamless provider switching without physical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a digital replica of the SIM functionality within the UE device's embedded system. The eSIM contains a copy of the subscriber identity module that can be remotely updated with new provider information, replacing the need for physical SIM card exchange with digital copying and transfer of identity data.
Data Source
AI summary
Provisioning an embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) in a user equipment (UE) device with personalized subscriber information. A request may be transmitted for personalized subscriber information. The personalized subscriber information may be received. The personalized subscriber information may be installed in an eSIM in the UE device.