IoT Subscriber Authentication Without SIM Hardware

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing 3GPP mobile communication system for IoT devices requires SIM or USIM cards for subscriber authentication, increasing the cost and unit price of IoT devices, which is not feasible for low-cost, long-term battery-powered applications like IoT/IoT services aiming for a price point of $1 to $2 per unit.

Innovation Solution

A method for subscriber authentication in IoT devices that generates and uses random codes based on measurement values like timing advance and frequency offset, eliminating the need for SIM/USIM cards by utilizing these values as unique characteristics for authentication, shared between the IoT device, base station, and authentication server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If SIM/USIM cards are used for subscriber authentication in IoT devices, then authentication security is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the authentication function from the SIM/USIM card hardware and implements it using software-based random code generation within the IoT device itself. The device generates random codes locally using its unique identifier and shared secret keys, eliminating the need for separate SIM card hardware while maintaining authentication security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a software-based copy of the authentication functionality that normally resides in SIM/USIM cards. By implementing the same authentication logic through random code generation algorithms in the device firmware, the system replicates the security function without requiring physical SIM card hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If SIM/USIM cards are integrated into IoT devices, then subscriber authentication capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubscriber authentication capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the authentication functionality into the main device processor and memory system. Instead of having a separate SIM card interface and storage, the device uses its existing unique identifier storage and processor to generate authentication codes, combining multiple functions into the device's core architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the device's processor and memory system perform multiple functions: storing the unique identifier, generating random codes, and executing authentication protocols. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated SIM card hardware while maintaining authentication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9888385B1Method for subscriber authentication in cellular IoT device, IoT device for subscriber authentication, and base station apparatus for subscriber authentication

Publication Date: 2018.02.06 KWANGWOON UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY ACADEMIC COLLABORATION FOUNDATION

AI summary

Provided are a method, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, and a base station apparatus for subscriber authentication without using a SIM card or a USIM card in a IoT/IosT service based on a 3GPP mobile communication system. The method of authenticating a subscriber of an Internet of Things (IoT) device based on mobile communication includes authenticating the subscriber using a measurement value which becomes a unique characteristic of the IoT device, in which the authenticating of the subscriber is performed using a measurement value which becomes a unique characteristic of the IoT device without using a SIM (subscriber identity module) card or a USIM (universal subscriber identity module) card.