eUICC Subscription Transfer Between User Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing embedded universal integrated circuit cards (eUICCs) lack the flexibility to transfer subscriptions between user equipment (UEs), making it inconvenient for users to change devices due to reasons like faults or user requirements, as prior art does not support seamless transfer of eUICC subscriptions between UEs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for transferring eUICC subscriptions between UEs, involving a subscription transfer request message, authentication with a service provider, data transfer, and updating operational profiles in the mobile network operator's database, allowing the new UE to access the operator network with the transferred subscription data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If eUICC is fixed in UE and cannot be replaced, then shockproof performance and space efficiency are improved, but flexibility to change subscription between UEs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the subscription functionality from the physical eUICC hardware by introducing a virtual subscription identifier (V-SID) that can be independently transferred between UEs. The eUICC remains fixed in the device for reliability, while the virtual subscription layer enables flexible reassignment to different devices through network-based provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network intermediary (subscription manager) that mediates between the fixed eUICC and the UE. This intermediary enables subscription transfer by managing the V-SID assignment and authentication processes, allowing the subscription to move between devices without physically moving the eUICC card.
2Reliability
If eUICC subscription cannot be transferred between UEs, then security of fixed subscription is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solution creates a virtual copy of the subscription identifier (V-SID) that can be transferred between UEs without copying the actual eUICC security credentials. The V-SID acts as a reference that points to the real subscription data stored securely in the network, enabling convenient transfer while maintaining security through centralized authentication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional UICC is used and can be moved between UEs, then flexibility to change device is improved, but shockproof performance and integration efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical card removal and insertion process with an electronic/digital subscription transfer mechanism. Instead of physically moving the UICC card between devices, the system uses network-based authentication and V-SID provisioning to transfer subscription access, eliminating the need for physical card handling while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a subscription transfer method, apparatus, and system. The method includes: receiving a subscription transfer request message sent by a first user equipment UE or a second UE, where the first UE is a destination UE to which an embedded universal integrated circuit card eUICC subscription is transferred, and the second UE is a source UE from which the eUICC subscription is transferred; and transferring the eUICC subscription from the second UE to the first UE according to the subscription transfer request message, so that the first UE accesses an operator's network according to transferred eUICC subscription data. The technical solution of the present invention may implement transfer of an eUICC subscription between UEs that use an eUICC, making it more flexible and convenient for a user to change a UE.