eUICC Remote Profile Provisioning via Signaling Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for remote provisioning of MNO subscriptions in eUICCs, such as those used in M2M and IoT devices, rely on SMS channels or cyclic polling mechanisms, which are inefficient and not compatible with low-power networks like NB-IoT.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a signaling mechanism to inform the eUICC to perform polling requests to the Subscription Manager, eliminating the need for SMS channels and cyclic polling, and enabling remote provisioning of MNO subscriptions even in SMS-less networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SMS channel is used to trigger remote provisioning, then the eUICC can be activated, but the method is not compatible with NB-IoT networks that do not support SMS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a signaling mechanism as an intermediary between the network and eUICC. Instead of using SMS directly, the network sends a signaling message that triggers the eUICC to perform polling requests to the Subscription Manager. This intermediary signaling approach enables provisioning activation in NB-IoT networks that lack SMS support while maintaining reliable activation through the standardized polling mechanism defined in GSMA specifications.
2Reliability
If cyclic polling mechanism is used to check for provisioning actions, then the eUICC can detect provisioning commands, but the mechanism is too heavy and inefficient for Low-Power IoT use-cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes periodic polling actions defined in GSMA SGP.02 and SGP.22 specifications. The eUICC performs polling requests at predetermined intervals to check with the Subscription Manager for provisioning actions. This standardized periodic approach provides reliable provisioning detection while optimizing power consumption by avoiding continuous monitoring, making it suitable for Low-Power IoT use-cases including NB-IoT.
3Ease of operation
If SMS push mechanism is used to notify eUICC, then remote provisioning can be initiated, but the mechanism is not suitable for SMS-less networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the SMS-based push mechanism with a signaling-based approach. Instead of relying on the SMS mechanical system, the network uses signaling messages to notify the eUICC. This substitution maintains the ease of remote provisioning initiation while improving network compatibility by eliminating dependence on SMS infrastructure, enabling deployment in SMS-less networks like NB-IoT.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for provisioning a secure element with a profile, said secure element cooperating with a M2M terminal and being connected to the network of a first MNO thanks to a first profile, including requesting by a M2M service provider a second profile to the network of a second MNO; provisioning by said second MNO said second profile in the network of said second MNO; sending from said network to a subscription manager an order to download said second profile; terminating said first profile to the network of said first MNO; barring by said first MNO said subscription in the network of said first MNO; performing by said secure element a Fall-Back procedure; attaching said secure element to a provisioning HLR by using said provisioning profile; downloading from said subscription manager to said secure element said second profile; and enabling said second profile to become an operational profile.