eUICC Profile Download for Seamless Carrier Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile communication terminals face inconvenience in accessing services from different mobile carriers, particularly when traveling, due to the need for physical SIM cards and high roaming fees, and the lack of flexibility in switching between carriers.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for downloading and installing a SIM profile in real-time onto a UICC card, allowing terminals to select and use different communication services remotely, using an eUICC that can be embedded or detachable, and a profile server system for managing and verifying access tokens to facilitate seamless service switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical SIM cards are used for accessing services from different mobile carriers, then service accessibility is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for physical SIM card changes and high roaming fees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a virtual copy of the SIM card (virtual SIM card or profile) that can be downloaded and installed on the terminal without physical manipulation. This virtual copy contains all the necessary authentication information and network access data, allowing users to switch carriers by downloading a new profile rather than physically swapping SIM cards, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining service accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical SIM card insertion and removal with an electronic/download-based system. Profiles are downloaded over-the-air (OTA) to a secure element or embedded SIM (eSIM) in the terminal, eliminating the need for physical handling and mechanical SIM tray operations, thereby improving ease of operation without compromising adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical SIM cards are used for accessing services from different mobile carriers, then service accessibility is improved, but device complexity worsens due to the need for physical SIM card management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the SIM card functionality into the terminal device itself through an embedded SIM (eSIM) or secure element that can store multiple profiles. This integration eliminates the need for separate physical SIM cards and their associated trays, slots, and mechanical components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to access multiple carriers through downloadable profiles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses virtual copies of SIM profiles that can be downloaded and installed electronically. Multiple carrier profiles can be stored and managed within the terminal's secure memory, eliminating the need for physical SIM card slots and reducing device complexity while maintaining full service accessibility across different carriers
3Reliability
If traditional SIM card switching is used, then security is maintained through physical card authentication, but ease of operation and service accessibility worsen due to physical SIM requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual SIM profiles that are downloaded and installed in a secure element or eSIM within the terminal. These virtual profiles maintain the same security authentication mechanisms as physical SIM cards (including cryptographic keys and network authentication protocols) while enabling easy electronic switching between carriers, thus improving ease of operation without compromising security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical SIM card system with an electronic profile management system that uses the same security infrastructure. The secure element or eSIM provides hardware-based security for storing authentication credentials, while the over-the-air download and installation processes maintain security through encrypted communication channels, achieving both ease of operation and security
Data Source
AI summary
A method for downloading a profile by a terminal and the terminal for performing the same are provided. The method includes acquiring information including an access token for transmitting a profile request to a profile server, transmitting a first message including the access token and a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) information of the terminal to the profile server, receiving a second message including a verification result from the profile server, and receiving a profile package corresponding to the access token from the profile server. The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for internet of things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology.