eUICC Provisioning Profile Selection for M2M Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Embedded UICC (eUICC) devices face challenges in selecting and managing provisioning profiles for network operator connections, affecting network access and subscriber information security, especially in Machine to Machine (M2M) terminals where physical replacement is difficult.
Innovation Solution
A terminal with an embedded UICC that includes multiple provisioning profiles, allowing selection and use of a specific profile for communication with a subscription manager to access network operators, using authentication credentials conforming to the Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) scheme, enabling the download of operational profiles based on user selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an eUICC is used to improve durability and shock resistance, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to manage multiple provisioning profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The eUICC is divided into multiple independent provisioning profiles, each representing a separate network operator configuration. This segmentation allows the system to maintain multiple network access capabilities within a single embedded module, resolving the complexity of managing multiple physical UICCs while preserving durability benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The eUICC is designed to perform multiple functions by containing several provisioning profiles that enable communication with different network operators. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple dedicated UICCs, improving reliability while the automated selection mechanism manages the complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple provisioning profiles are stored in eUICC to enable communication with multiple network operators, then adaptability is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device receives feedback from the network regarding signal strength and connection quality, and uses this feedback to automatically select the most appropriate provisioning profile. This feedback mechanism simplifies the detection and measurement process by using objective network performance metrics rather than requiring manual evaluation of multiple profiles
Solution Approach 2:
The eUICC system performs self-service by automatically selecting and switching between provisioning profiles based on predefined criteria and network conditions. This eliminates the need for users to manually detect and measure profile performance, resolving the difficulty while maintaining adaptability to different network operators
3Ease of operation
If automated profile selection is implemented to improve ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information increases due to security risks in automated processes
Solution Approach 1:
Security credentials and authentication information are pre-configured in the eUICC during manufacturing or initial provisioning. This preliminary action ensures that security information is already in place before automated selection occurs, preventing information loss or security breaches during the automated process
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device acts as an intermediary between the user and the eUICC profile selection process. It implements security policies and authentication verification before allowing profile switching, thereby protecting subscriber information while maintaining ease of operation through automated selection
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method for selecting a specific provisioning profile from among a plurality of provisioning profiles and an apparatus using same. In a terminal to which an embedded UICC (eUICC) is mounted, the eUICC includes at least one provisioning profile wherein each of the one or more provisioning profile enables a user terminal to communicate with a subscriber management entity supporting at least one network provider. Accordingly, a specific provisioning profile can be selected from among the one or more provisioning profiles, and a network can be connected with a specific mobile communication provider using the selected provisioning profile.