eSIM Profile Discovery via Trusted Proximate Device Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
eSIM-capable devices without direct internet access, such as those in IoT scenarios or enterprise settings, face challenges in obtaining eSIM profile provisioning due to lack of connectivity and reliance on global discovery servers not used by all mobile operators.
Innovation Solution
The device pairs securely with a trusted, proximate device to access the internet and obtain eSIM provisioning information, using a trusted enterprise device as a bridge to connect to the eSIM download server, even without direct internet access, through methods like QR code identification and secure peering connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device uses the global discovery server (SM-DS) to obtain eSIM provisioning information, then the device can be provisioned remotely, but the device must have direct internet connectivity which is not available in all scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proximate trusted device as an intermediary between the unprovisioned device and the eSIM download server. The trusted device uses its existing internet connectivity and eSIM credentials to relay provisioning information to the unprovisioned device, eliminating the requirement for the unprovisioned device to have direct internet access while still enabling remote eSIM provisioning
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device ships with an empty eSIM, then the device can be flexibly provisioned for different operators, but the device cannot access mobile network services until provisioning is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary provisioning actions to be performed through the proximate trusted device before the unprovisioned device needs to independently access networks. The trusted device retrieves and transmits eSIM profile information in advance, allowing the unprovisioned device to be fully provisioned and ready for network service immediately upon eSIM installation, eliminating the service gap period
3Productivity
If enterprises configure devices automatically when turned on, then device deployment is streamlined, but the device must be in a location with Wifi or other connectivity means
Solution Approach 1:
The proximate trusted device serves as a mobile intermediary that can be brought to any location, carrying the necessary provisioning capabilities. This allows enterprise device provisioning to occur anywhere in the world as long as a trusted device is present, completely removing location constraints while maintaining automatic provisioning efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Mobile devices are provisioned that do not have a direct communications path to a data network. A proximate device is discovered that is available for connecting to the mobile device via a peer-to-peer connection. The proximate device is determined to be trusted by the mobile device and usable to communicate to the data network A peer-to-peer connection is established with the proximate device. Identification data is provided to the proximate device, and an activation code is received. The mobile device communicates to the mobile network operator indicated by the activation code. Subscription credentials are received for accessing a mobile network operated by the mobile network operator.