eSIM Update via Primary Device Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary wireless devices with embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Cards (eUICCs) face challenges in updating electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs) due to infrequent connections to cellular wireless networks, which can lead to unreliable over-the-air (OTA) updates and battery power conservation issues, as they may not be registered with the network all the time and have limited data connectivity.
Innovation Solution
Processing circuitry in secondary wireless devices initiates an eSIM update process by checking for data connectivity and establishing a secure connection with a network provisioning server using a Bearer Independent Protocol (BIP), either directly or through a primary wireless device, and repeats the process until successful, allowing the device to enter a reduced power state upon successful update.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If secondary wireless devices maintain continuous network connectivity to ensure reliable eSIM updates, then update reliability improves, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic connectivity checks and update attempts instead of continuous connection. The processing circuitry checks for data connectivity at intervals and initiates eSIM update processes periodically when connectivity is available, allowing the device to enter reduced power states between checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The device autonomously monitors its own connectivity status and determines when to initiate update processes without requiring continuous network supervision. The processing circuitry self-manages the balance between maintaining update capability and conserving battery power by detecting connectivity availability and triggering updates independently.
2Loss of time
If secondary wireless devices check for eSIM updates frequently, then update timeliness improves, but network resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic connectivity checks at predetermined intervals rather than continuous monitoring. This timing-based approach ensures updates are checked regularly without excessive frequency, balancing update timeliness with reduced network resource consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts update check parameters based on connectivity conditions. When data connectivity is available, the processing circuitry initiates update checks; when unavailable, it delays checks until connectivity is restored, adapting the update timing to network conditions rather than using fixed frequent intervals.
3Reliability
If secondary wireless devices establish direct cellular connections for eSIM updates, then update reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to dual connectivity management
Solution Approach 1:
The primary wireless device serves as an intermediary for establishing secure data connections between the secondary device and network provisioning server. When the secondary device cannot directly connect to the cellular network, the primary device relays update commands and data through its own cellular connection, simplifying the secondary device's connectivity requirements while maintaining update reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system design allows the secondary device to use multiple connection modes (direct cellular or indirect through primary device) for the same eSIM update function. This multi-functional approach enables the device to adapt its connection method based on availability, reducing the need for complex dedicated direct-cellular hardware while maintaining update capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques to manage updates for eSIMs of a secondary wireless device are disclosed. Responsive to a user input, expiration of a timer, receipt of a message from an associated primary wireless device, processing circuitry of the secondary wireless device commands an eUICC to update an eSIM. A secure data connection is established between the eUICC and a network provisioning server, either directly from the secondary wireless device to a cellular wireless network or relayed indirectly via the primary wireless device. The eUICC and the network provisioning server exchange messages in accordance with a BIP process to update the eSIM. The eUICC provides a status to the processing circuitry indicating success or failure for the eSIM update. Upon success, a portion of the secondary wireless device may be placed in a reduced power state. Upon failure, the eSIM update process may repeat up to a maximum number of retries.