eUICC Profile Provisioning via Virtual SMS Emulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for provisioning profiles in mobile communication terminals with embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Cards (UICCs) face challenges, such as the need for prior network attachment to receive SMS triggers for profile downloads, which limits flexibility and compatibility with various mobile network operators, especially in M2M devices and terminals with non-removable UICCs.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows profile download and installation in mobile communication terminals without relying on SMS triggers, using a communication unit to access a profile management server and install profiles using virtual SMS emulation or new APDU commands, enabling autonomous or user-initiated profile downloads over IP networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a terminal uses an embedded UICC (eUICC) with non-removable form, then the terminal can be manufactured without UICC insertion slots and have improved device integration, but it becomes impossible to pre-mount network access authentication information at manufacture and requires network attachment for profile installation
Solution Approach 1:
The eUICC is pre-configured with a Provisioning Profile during manufacturing that contains placeholder authentication information and configuration data. This preliminary setup enables the terminal to attach to any mobile network initially, after which the authentication information can be remotely updated via OTA to match the specific network operator the user subscribes to.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static pre-configured state with generic authentication information to a dynamic state where the authentication information is remotely updated via OTA after network attachment. This allows the eUICC to adapt to different network operators based on user subscription, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and operational flexibility.
2Extent of automation
If the existing SMS-triggered OTA method is used for profile download, then the profile installation can be automated, but the terminal must first attach to a mobile network and receive SMS, which limits flexibility especially for M2M devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism where the terminal controller creates virtual SMS messages locally based on trigger information received from a profile management server. This virtual SMS emulation allows the terminal to initiate profile downloads without requiring actual SMS reception from the mobile network, thereby enabling profile installation in M2M devices and other scenarios where traditional SMS triggering is not feasible.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal autonomously creates and processes virtual SMS messages locally without requiring external SMS infrastructure. The controller generates the virtual SMS based on trigger information, enabling the terminal to self-initiate profile downloads directly from the profile management server, eliminating the dependency on network-dependent SMS triggering.
3Ease of operation
If a terminal attaches to a specific mobile network to receive SMS triggers, then profile download can be initiated, but the terminal loses the ability to flexibly switch between different mobile network operators
Solution Approach 1:
The eUICC is pre-configured with a Provisioning Profile that contains generic authentication information enabling attachment to any mobile network. This preliminary configuration allows the terminal to attach to different networks without being locked to a specific operator, and the authentication information can be remotely updated via OTA after profile download is initiated through virtual SMS emulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual SMS emulation mechanism acts as an intermediary that decouples the profile download initiation process from actual SMS reception requirements. This allows the terminal to download profiles and update authentication information for different network operators without being constrained by SMS delivery limitations of any single network, thereby maintaining flexibility for network switching.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a technique to download and install a profile to a universal integrated circuit without receiving, from a network, an SMS for triggering reception of the profile. Specifically, a terminal according to the present invention comprises a communication unit configured to transmit and receive a signal; a control unit configured to create information for triggering reception of a profile; and a universal integrated circuit card configured to: access a profile management server and receive the profile based on the information using the communication unit, and install the received profile.