Cross-Platform eSIM Profile Transfer via Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implementations of User Equipment (UE) embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) operations face challenges in interoperability between different operating systems and protocol stacks, particularly when transferring eSIM profiles across platforms.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an apparatus with processing circuitry that facilitates an eSIM profile transfer process between devices executing different operating systems and protocol stacks. This is achieved by engaging in an eSIM profile transfer process, processing tokens received from an entitlement server, and generating messages for transmission to the target device to effect the transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If eSIM profile transfer is implemented between devices with different operating systems and protocol stacks, then interoperability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that converts between GSMA protocol stack messages and Manufacturer-Specific Protocol (MSP) stack messages. This intermediary component enables communication between devices with different protocol stacks without requiring each device to support multiple protocols, thus improving interoperability while containing complexity within the translation layer rather than distributing it across all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal token-based transfer mechanism that works across different protocol stacks (both GSMA and MSP). The token serves as a multi-functional intermediary that carries transfer authorization information in a protocol-agnostic format, allowing the same transfer logic to function universally across platforms with different protocol implementations.
2Ease of operation
If protocol stack translation is implemented for cross-platform eSIM transfers, then ease of operation is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the translation mappings between GSMA and MSP protocol stacks before actual eSIM profile transfer operations. The intermediary component is pre-configured with knowledge of both protocol formats, allowing it to perform rapid message translation during transfer operations without requiring complex real-time protocol analysis or interpretation.
3Reliability
If token-based transfer mechanism is used across different protocol stacks, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a token that copies essential transfer authorization information from the source device's protocol format into a standardized intermediate format that can be understood by both GSMA and MSP stacks. This token copying mechanism ensures reliable transfer by preserving the essential authorization data while adapting it to work across different protocol environments, reducing the need for complex verification logic in each device.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus configured to engage in an embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) profile transfer process to transfer an eSIM profile from a source device executing a first operating system (OS) that implements a first protocol stack related to eSIM profile transfers to a target device executing a second OS that implements a second protocol stack related to eSIM profile transfers, wherein the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack are different, process, based on signaling received from an entitlement server, a token for transferring the eSIM profile and generate, for transmission to the target device, a message comprising the token.