Identification Unit Mediates Remote Subscription Download
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices with limited access to remote provisioning servers, such as those operating outside their home cellular network or within virtual private networks, face challenges in accessing remote provisioning services due to access limitations and lack of packet-switched communication capabilities, hindering subscription changes and optimizations.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a connection tunnel through a packet gateway node to enable the identification unit to submit requests to a remote provisioning server using advanced packet-based communication protocols, even if the device only supports basic packet-based communication protocols, allowing for subscription information download and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wireless communication devices use basic packet-based communication protocol means only, then device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the device cannot access remote provisioning servers requiring advanced protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The identification unit acts as an intermediary between the wireless communication device and the remote provisioning server. It possesses advanced packet-based communication protocol means that the device lacks, and uses these capabilities to submit requests to the server on behalf of the device, thereby enabling access without requiring the device itself to have advanced protocol capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The solution shifts the protocol capability requirement from the wireless communication device dimension to the identification unit dimension. By separating the protocol handling function into a different component (the identification unit with its controller), the system enables advanced protocol communication without upgrading the device's protocol stack
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication devices operate outside home cellular network or within virtual private networks, then network flexibility and adaptability are improved, but access to remote provisioning servers is limited or blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The identification unit serves as a mediator that enables subscription management operations regardless of the device's network context. It handles the communication with the remote provisioning server using its own protocol capabilities, allowing subscription changes even when the device operates in networks with restricted access policies
Solution Approach 2:
The identification unit pre-establishes the capability to communicate with remote provisioning servers through its advanced protocol means. This preliminary preparation allows it to handle provisioning requests proactively, enabling subscription management before the device encounters network access restrictions
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote provisioning requires advanced packet-based communication protocol means in the wireless communication device, then access to remote provisioning server is enabled, but device functionality requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The identification unit with its controller acts as an intermediary that provides the advanced packet-based communication protocol means. This allows the wireless communication device to access the remote provisioning server without needing to implement the advanced protocols itself, thereby reducing the device's functionality requirements and associated costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the protocol handling function from the wireless communication device and places it in the identification unit. This separation allows the device to maintain simple basic protocol capabilities while the identification unit handles the complex advanced protocol communication with the provisioning server
Data Source
AI summary
A method for downloading subscription information to an identification unit connected to a wireless communication device operating within a cellular network having at least one packet gateway node. A remote provisioning server is connected to the packet gateway node. The wireless communication device comprises basic packet based communication protocol means, and operates in a mode with limited access to the remote provisioning server within the cellular network. The identification unit comprises a controller having advanced packet based communication protocol means by using said basic packet based communication protocol means provided by the wireless communication device. The method comprises submitting a request from the identification unit to the cellular network, by means of said advanced packet based communication protocol means, upon reception of a response message from the cellular network, creating based on received data relative to subscription information, an identity record, and storing said identity record in the identification unit.