eUICC Bootstrap Profile for Remote Initial Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of electronic devices equipped with embedded subscriber identity modules (eUICC) face difficulties in performing initial network access and downloading profiles without visiting a mobile network operator (MNO) shop, especially when the device lacks pre-installed provisioning profiles.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an embedded subscriber identification module (eUICC) that can determine shared subscriber identification information, connect to a communication service provision server, and request a provisioning profile from a server using a processor and memory instructions, enabling initial network access and profile downloading without pre-installed profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If eUICC is embedded in the device without pre-installed provisioning profiles, then device flexibility and adaptability are improved, but initial network access becomes difficult and requires physical MNO shop visits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bootstrap profile as an intermediary element that enables initial network access. This bootstrap profile contains minimal necessary information (PLMN identifiers and authentication data) to allow the eUICC to connect to a network, which then serves as the basis for downloading the actual provisioning profile. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing just enough functionality for initial access without requiring full provisioning or physical MNO shop visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the eUICC with a bootstrap profile during device manufacturing or before first use. This bootstrap profile is prepared in advance with essential network access information, enabling the device to autonomously perform initial network attachment and subsequently download the complete provisioning profile remotely, eliminating the need for physical MNO shop visits.
2Ease of operation
If eUICC is manufactured as pre-loaded UICC fixedly embedded in UE, then ease of detachment is improved for M2M and D2D UEs, but profile installation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the profile installation process into two distinct phases: initial bootstrap profile installation (which can be done remotely) and subsequent provisioning profile installation (which occurs after network access). This segmentation allows the eUICC to maintain its embedded, non-detachable form factor while still enabling flexible profile management through remote procedures, resolving the contradiction between physical embedding and installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by enabling the eUICC to transition from a static, pre-loaded state to a dynamic, remotely-configurable state. Through the bootstrap profile mechanism and remote profile download capabilities, the eUICC can adapt its profile configuration based on network conditions and user needs, even though the hardware itself remains fixed and embedded in the device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If QR code-based voucher with activation code is used for initial network access, then profile downloading capability is improved, but user convenience is reduced due to requirement of physical MNO shop visit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of QR code-based voucher activation (which requires physical presence at an MNO shop) with an automated electronic system. The eUICC autonomously performs network scanning, bootstrap profile validation, and provisioning profile download using electronic communication protocols, eliminating the need for physical shop visits and manual QR code scanning while maintaining profile downloading capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An example electronic device includes a communication interface; an embedded subscriber identity module; a processor electrically connected to the communication interface and the embedded subscriber identity module; and memory electrically connected to the processor. The memory, if during execution the processor determines the type of subscriber identification information stored in the embedded subscriber identity module and the subscriber identification information is the shared subscriber identification information according to the determination result, confirms at least one communication service providing server connectable in the electronic device among a plurality of communication service providing servers, and can store instructions for accessing a communication service providing server selected from at least one communication service providing server with has been confirmed, by means of the communication interface.