eSIM Provisioning Server for Flexible Carrier Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SIM solutions tie user accounts to specific carrier networks, limiting user flexibility and requiring new SIM cards for changes in carriers or billing accounts, and do not allow for easy assignment of SIMs to devices without a user account.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic SIM (eSIM) provisioning system that allows devices to be manufactured without physical SIM cards, enabling the assignment and management of multiple user accounts and networks through a SIM Provisioning Server (SPS), which can pre-personalize and activate eSIMs for devices during manufacturing or at the point of sale, allowing users to switch between networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical SIM cards are used to tie user accounts to carrier networks, then network security and access control are ensured, but user flexibility and ease of switching carriers are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the SIM card functionality through software-based access control clients that can be provisioned and managed remotely. Instead of relying on physical SIM cards, the system uses digital representations of subscriber identity and access rights that can be copied, transferred, and managed through network provisioning, thereby eliminating the need for physical card exchanges while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical SIM card system with an electronic/software-based access control system. The physical insertion and extraction of SIM cards is substituted with digital provisioning, authentication, and account management processes that occur through network communication, eliminating mechanical constraints and improving user flexibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical SIM cards are provided for different carriers, then user ability to switch networks is improved, but device area and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal access control client that can function with multiple carrier networks through software configuration rather than requiring separate physical SIM cards for each network. The single access control infrastructure supports multiple network operators and account types, allowing users to switch between carriers by provisioning different access credentials through the same device interface
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing multiple physical SIM card receptacles, the system creates virtual copies of access control functionality that can be loaded and switched between different carrier profiles. The access control client software can be provisioned with multiple network credentials, effectively copying the SIM card's authentication function in a virtualized form that requires no additional physical space
3Ease of operation
If SIM cards are permanently assigned to user accounts, then network security is maintained, but user convenience and ease of account management are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, permanent assignment of SIM cards to user accounts into a dynamic, flexible provisioning system. Access control credentials can be remotely provisioned, modified, transferred, or revoked through network operations without requiring physical card changes. The system maintains security through cryptographic authentication while allowing dynamic account management and carrier switching through software-based credential updates
4Ease of manufacture
If physical SIM cards are required for device activation, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but post-manufacturing flexibility and remote provisioning capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an access control client framework into the device during manufacturing, preparing the infrastructure for future remote provisioning. The device is pre-configured with the capability to receive and install access control credentials over the air, allowing manufacturers to keep the process simple while enabling flexible post-manufacturing account setup and carrier selection through network-based provisioning operations
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for activating a purchased or previously deployed device by a subscriber. In one embodiment, activation includes authenticating the device to a service provider or carrier, and providing the device with data necessary for enabling the service to the device. In one variant, a user device is activated at a retail store, with the assistance of a carrier representative. In another variant, user equipment is activated via a communications network without the assistance of a representative. In yet another variant, the user equipment is activated via the Internet without the assistance of a representative. The provision of access data includes pre-assigning eSIM from a population of unassigned eSIMs to certain devices for various carrier networks. Alternatively, the eSIM may be assigned on an as-needed basis. Unassigned and/or unused eSIMs can be released (or sold back to the vendor) and/or reused. Solutions for eSIM backup and restoration are also described.