eUICC API for Profile Management and Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eUICC profile management systems are limited, requiring external servers for profile management operations and lacking flexibility, which restricts vendors and manufacturers from implementing customized automatic profile switch routines without re-certification, and do not allow device-side control over profile management.
Innovation Solution
An on-card application programming interface (API) is implemented on the eUICC, allowing profile management operations to be executed via the issuer security domain root component, providing access to profile management functions such as activation, deactivation, status retrieval, and automatic profile switching, enabling device-side control and customization without re-certification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external servers are used for profile management operations, then security and centralized control are improved, but device-side flexibility and customization capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The profile management functionality is segmented between external servers (SM-DP, SM-SR) and local eUICC components (ISD-R, API). The ISD-R handles secure profile operations while the API provides device-side access, allowing both centralized security and local customization to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The ISD-R acts as an intermediary between external profile management servers and device-side applications. It receives profile data from external servers and manages it securely, while the API serves as another intermediary that allows device applications to control profile operations without directly accessing external servers.
2Reliability
If standardized profile management interfaces are used, then system reliability and security are improved, but vendor implementation flexibility and automatic profile switching capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic profile switching based on device-side conditions. The API enables applications to programmatically control profile activation, deactivation, and switching based on runtime conditions, making the system adaptable rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The eUICC and device applications can perform profile management operations autonomously through the API without requiring external server intervention for each operation. The ISD-R provides self-service capabilities for profile installation and management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customized profile switch routines are implemented by vendors, then device-specific requirements are met, but re-certification requirements increase complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The API provides universal profile management functionality that can be used for both standardized and customized profile switching scenarios. A single interface serves multiple purposes: basic profile control, automatic switching, and vendor-specific customizations, eliminating the need for separate certified implementations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, devices, and computer program products arranged for managing subscriber profiles on an eUICC. Within that context, a method for managing subscriber profiles stored in an eUICC includes an ISD-R and an API implemented on the eUICC, the API providing for executing or executing via the ISD-R a profile management operation concerning a subscriber profile of the eUICC. Further, an application installed on the eUICC instructs the API to exe-cute the profile management operation concerning the subscriber profile. A device has embedded therein a eUICC and computer program products representing the API and the application.