eUICC SIM Toolkit Command Routing via TLV Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional SIM toolkit commands lack the ability to identify the source or destination eSIM when multiple eSIMs are active in a mobile device, leading to routing issues due to the absence of source or destination information in the protocol designed for single SIM scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a unique identifier for each SIM toolkit command using a type-length-value (TLV) component to identify the specific eSIM, allowing proper routing by exchanging capability information between the eUICC and baseband component and updating configurations to include eSIM identifiers in commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple eSIMs are activated in an eUICC to increase connectivity flexibility, then the adaptability of the mobile device is improved, but the SIM toolkit command protocol cannot properly identify the source or destination eSIM, leading to routing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The command protocol is segmented to include separate identifier fields for source eSIM and destination eSIM. Each SIM toolkit command is divided into components, with specific segments dedicated to carrying eSIM identification information, allowing proper routing while maintaining the original command functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary identifier mechanism is introduced between the command transmitter and receiver. The eSIM identifier acts as a mediator that bridges the gap in the original protocol, enabling the system to recognize and route commands to the correct eSIM without modifying the fundamental command structure.
2Reliability
If the SIM toolkit command protocol is modified to include eSIM identifiers, then proper routing to specific eSIMs is enabled, but the complexity of the command protocol increases
Solution Approach 1:
The eSIM identifier is preliminarily attached to the command before transmission. By pre-configuring the identifier in the command structure, the routing information is prepared in advance, eliminating the need for complex post-transmission analysis or additional handshaking protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The command protocol parameters are changed by adding identifier fields with specific data types and formats. These parameter changes are standardized and constrained, allowing the protocol to handle multiple eSIMs without requiring fundamental structural changes or complex decision-making logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a technique for enabling Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) toolkit commands to be properly routed within a mobile device that includes an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) configured to manage two or more electronic SIMs (eSIMs). Specifically, the technique involves a baseband component of the mobile device and the eUICC initially exchanging information about their eSIM capabilities to identify whether multiple eSIMs are active within the eUICC. During this exchange of information, the eUICC can generate a list of unique identifiers of the active eSIMs that are managed by the eUICC and provide the list of unique identifiers to the baseband component. In turn, the baseband component can update a configuration to manage the list of unique identifiers and use the list of unique identifiers to properly route SIM toolkit commands to the appropriate eSIM within the eUICC.