eUICC Profile Switching for Automatic Private Network Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices equipped with eUICCs fail to automatically switch to private networks when both public and private networks are available, as private networks are not prioritized in the MNO profile files, leading to unsuccessful attachments.
Innovation Solution
The eUICC application prioritizes private networks by generating a cumulative private EHPLMN list, which overrides the public EHPLMN list, allowing seamless switching to a private profile with appropriate credentials for attachment, even without server connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE uses the public EHPLMN list from MNO profile files for network selection, then the device can connect to public networks, but the private network cannot be prioritized or selected automatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the EHPLMN list into two separate lists: a public EHPLMN list from MNO profile files and a private EHPLMN list from private profile files. The UE can then selectively use either list based on the desired network type, enabling both public and private network connectivity while maintaining the ability to prioritize private networks when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the private EHPLMN list is integrated within the overall network selection mechanism. The private profile file contains a private EHPLMN list that is nested alongside the public profile's EHPLMN list, allowing the UE to access and prioritize private networks while maintaining compatibility with the existing public network selection framework.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the UE scans for all available networks including private networks, then the UE can detect private network presence, but the UE will not automatically attach to the private network without prioritization information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the private EHPLMN list in the private profile file before the UE needs to attach to the private network. This pre-prepared list contains the necessary prioritization information, allowing the UE to automatically attach to private networks without requiring real-time configuration or manual intervention when the private network is detected.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the eUICC maintains separate public and private profiles, then both network types can be supported, but the eUICC cannot automatically switch to the private profile when the private network is available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors network availability and provides this information to the eUICC. The eUICC then uses this feedback to automatically switch between public and private profiles based on the current network environment and the prioritization information stored in the EHPLMN lists, enabling seamless automatic profile switching.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for allowing a UE, User Equipment, to automatically attach or connect to a private network, by using an eUICC, embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card, application comprising the step of prioritizing, by the eUICC application, the private network by replacing content of public EHPLMN, Equivalent Home Public Land Mobile Network of a public profile, with a cumulative private EHPLMN list which contains the private network and when the UE tries to attach or connect to the private network, the step of switching, by the eUICC, to a private profile corresponding to the private network, while the public profile is still enabled, wherein the private profile contains credentials for the attachment or connection, as well as an eUICC application, an eUICC comprising the eUICC application and a computer program product for performing the method.