eSIM Profile Management for Seamless MNO Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for switching between mobile network operators (MNOs) using embedded subscriber identification module (eSIM) technology face challenges in efficiently managing eSIM profiles and establishing data communication connections, particularly in scenarios where a user needs to access local networks in visited geographical areas without the hassle of obtaining physical SIM cards.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enables network devices to identify available cellular networks, request and manage eSIM profiles from a Multiple SIM Account (MSA), and establish data communication access using these eSIM profiles, even when the eSIM profiles are not initially available in the MSA.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If eSIM profiles are stored in MSAs to enable switching between MNOs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual SIM profiles that are copied from remote sources to the MSA, allowing the device to access multiple MNO networks without physically storing multiple SIM cards. The virtual SIM profile contains the necessary authentication data to connect to different cellular networks, enabling MNO switching through digital copying rather than physical SIM management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SIM cards are stored in MSAs, then adaptability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically storing multiple SIM cards in the MSA, the system creates and stores virtual copies of SIM profiles digitally. These virtual profiles contain the essential authentication information needed to access different MNO networks, eliminating the need to physically house multiple SIM cards while maintaining the ability to switch between operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical SIM card storage and insertion with a digital system that stores and manages virtual SIM profiles in memory. This substitution eliminates the physical constraints of SIM card storage capacity while maintaining network access capabilities across multiple MNOs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If eSIM profiles are downloaded from remote sources, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time occurs during profile acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-fetching and caching eSIM profiles from remote sources during periods when network conditions are favorable or when the device is idle. This allows the profiles to be readily available when needed, reducing the time loss during actual network switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms to monitor network conditions, device state, and profile availability. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently determines when to download profiles, whether to cache them locally, or when to switch between stored profiles, thereby optimizing the timing of profile acquisition and minimizing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses methods and systems for establishing data communication at a network device. The method includes identifying a cellular network by the network device. After that, the network device sends a request to an MSA for an embedded subscriber identification module (eSIM) profile of the cellular network. The MSA may or may not have an eSIM profile of the cellular network available. When an eSIM profile of the cellular network is available, the network device receives the eSIM profile information from the MSA. The network device then sends a request for data communication access to the cellular network using the eSIM profile information to obtain data communication access through the cellular network. The network device may comprise at least one universal integrated circuit card (UICC) and/or embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC).