eSIM Satellite Provisioning for Bandwidth-Restricted Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices struggle to connect to satellite networks without prior knowledge of the network provider, and existing methods for connecting to terrestrial networks fail in areas with limited or no coverage, leading to insecure provisioning and inadequate adjustment of application functionality for network restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A system using a digital identity module (e.g., e-SIM) for secure provisioning to satellite networks without prior knowledge, involving a handshake with the network to establish trust, and adjusting application functionality based on network limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device uses pre-provisioning to connect to a satellite network, then coverage is provided in remote areas, but the device requires prior knowledge of the satellite network provider
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a terrestrial network as an intermediary to facilitate the provisioning process. The device first connects to a terrestrial network, which then acts as a mediator to establish the connection with the satellite network provider. This intermediary approach allows the device to provision to satellite networks without having pre-configured knowledge of multiple satellite providers, while still achieving reliable coverage in remote areas.
2Reliability
If a device switches to a second terrestrial network when the first is unavailable, then coverage is maintained, but the device requires pre-existing knowledge of the second network provider
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the device universally capable of connecting to multiple network types (terrestrial and satellite) through a unified provisioning approach. Instead of requiring device-specific configurations for each network provider, the device uses a general provisioning mechanism that works across different network types, reducing the complexity of storing and managing multiple provider credentials.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a device connects to a satellite network without terrestrial network coverage, then service is provided in remote areas, but secure provisioning cannot be established
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary provisioning actions through the terrestrial network before the device needs to connect to the satellite network independently. The terrestrial network establishes the initial secure connection and provisioning credentials in advance, so when the device later needs to connect to the satellite network without terrestrial coverage, the secure provisioning is already in place.
4Ease of operation
If applications run on a device with bandwidth restrictions, then device functionality is maintained, but application performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts application functionality based on available network bandwidth. When connected to high-bandwidth satellite networks, applications can operate at full performance. When bandwidth is restricted, the system dynamically modifies application behavior to maintain essential functionality while adapting to the constrained environment, optimizing the balance between operability and performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein provide a system and method for provisioning a device to use a telecommunications service offered by a provider for a satellite communications (SATCOM) network. The device performs a handshake with the SATCOM network to establish trust, such as by sending an encrypted handshake request to the SATCOM network or operator of the SATCOM network. The SATCOM network acts as a proxy for a satellite network provider and the device communicates with the provider, using information from a proxy certificate for the provider, through the SATCOM network. The device requests and receives an e-SIM profile for the provider. The device also receives a certificate of the satellite network provider and sends a selection or confirmation of an e-SIM profile. The device receives an e-SIM or a configuration corresponding to the selected e-SIM, which is used to access the SATCOM network though the satellite network provider.