Temporary eSIM Profile Transfer When the Primary UE Is Offline
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Solution Overview
Problem
Embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) profiles cannot be transferred to another device when the primary device is turned off, preventing users from accessing associated services until the device is powered back on.
Innovation Solution
A method for temporarily transferring an eSIM profile to another user equipment (UE) by downloading it from a network when the primary UE is off, allowing access to services on the secondary UE for a limited time or until the primary UE is turned back on.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If eSIM profile is stored in embedded hardware of primary UE, then security and reliability are improved, but service accessibility deteriorates when primary UE is turned off
Solution Approach 1:
The eSIM profile data is copied from the primary UE's embedded hardware to a secondary UE when the primary UE is turned off. This allows the secondary UE to access services using the copied profile, resolving the contradiction between maintaining secure embedded storage and enabling service accessibility during emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
A network entity acts as an intermediary to facilitate the transfer of eSIM profile data from the primary UE to the secondary UE. The network entity receives requests, retrieves the profile data, and transmits it to the secondary UE, enabling service continuity without direct access to the primary UE's embedded hardware.
2Ease of operation
If eSIM profile is transferred to secondary UE, then service accessibility is improved, but security control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The eSIM profile transfer is made dynamic and conditional rather than static. The profile can be transferred to a secondary UE only under specific conditions (when primary UE is off, upon user request, for limited duration). This dynamic approach maintains security control while enabling service accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification and authentication before transferring the eSIM profile to the secondary UE. The network entity verifies the legitimacy of the transfer request and ensures proper authorization before allowing profile data transmission, maintaining security control throughout the process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional SIM card is used, then profile transferability is improved, but device integration and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides universal functionality by supporting both traditional SIM card operations and eSIM profile transfer capabilities. The network entity and UE can handle both removable SIM profiles and embedded eSIM profiles, making the system versatile and adaptable to different scenarios while maintaining secure device integration for eSIM.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to electronic devices and, more particularly, to techniques and apparatus for temporarily transferring subscriber identity module (SIM) profiles. One example method generally includes: receiving, from a first user equipment (UE), a request to obtain a SIM profile associated with a second UE, the first UE being different than the second UE; transmitting a first message including the SIM profile associated with the second UE in response to the request; and communicating with the first UE using the SIM profile.