eUICC Profile Management for Multi-Operator Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of profiles in embedded universal integrated circuit cards (eUICCs) is challenging due to the lack of methods for providing and utilizing essential management information, which hinders communication and value-added services, particularly in scenarios where terminals need to interwork with multiple mobile network operators and subscription managers.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that enables eUICCs to provide information about activated profiles and profile lists to external entities, including mobile network operators and subscription managers, using a management information providing module and acquisition part, facilitating network authentication and profile updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If eUICC is used to miniaturize terminals, then terminal size is reduced, but user flexibility to change mobile network operators is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The eUICC incorporates a profile management system that dynamically allows switching between multiple operator profiles stored within the embedded card. This enables the terminal to adapt to different mobile network operators without physical card changes, resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and operator flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The eUICC is designed to store and activate multiple operator profiles within a single embedded card, making it universally compatible with different mobile network operators. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate physical SIM cards for different operators, maintaining flexibility while enabling terminal miniaturization.
2Ease of manufacture
If eUICC is manufactured with specific MNO designation, then terminal production is simplified, but inventory management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The eUICC is pre-configured with multiple operator profiles during manufacturing, but the active profile is determined later through remote provisioning. This preliminary preparation simplifies production while deferring the complexity of inventory management to a software-based solution that can be updated remotely.
Solution Approach 2:
A profile management system acts as an intermediary between the eUICC and multiple mobile network operators. This mediator handles the complexity of inventory management and profile activation remotely, allowing terminals to be manufactured with generic eUICC hardware while maintaining flexibility for different operators through software provisioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple profiles are stored in eUICC, then operator flexibility is improved, but security management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The eUICC security architecture segments different operator profiles into isolated security domains, each with its own authentication credentials. This segmentation allows multiple profiles to coexist securely within the single eUICC, managing security complexity through structured organization rather than monolithic security management.
Solution Approach 2:
A secure profile management system serves as an intermediary that controls access to and switching between multiple operator profiles. This mediator implements security policies, manages authentication credentials, and controls profile activation, thereby simplifying security management while enabling operator flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for managing a profile in an embedded UICC, and more particularly, to a method for managing a profile in an embedded UICC that enables management information on the profile provided within the embedded UICC to play an essential role for providing communication and additional services, to be provided to a device existing outside the embedded UICC. The present invention also relates to an embedded UICC and to a device provided with the embedded UICC for the method.