Location-Based IMSI Selection for IoT Connectivity Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for providing connectivity to IoT and M2M devices through mobile networks face inefficiencies due to the requirement for pre-provisioning of a large number of International Mobile Subscriber Identities (IMSIs), leading to potential exhaustion of the global IMSI numbering reserve, as many devices may never use their allocated IMSIs, especially when Wi-Fi access is preferred.
Innovation Solution
A method and network access element that select and reuse temporary IMSIs based on location information, allowing for efficient allocation and reducing wastage by not requiring pre-provisioning of fully functional IMSIs, using a selection management method to choose between different IMSI sets based on location and allowing temporary bootstrap connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a large number of IMSIs are pre-provisioned to every device, then connectivity can be provided out of the box, but the global IMSI numbering reserve will be exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The IMSI selection process is segmented into multiple phases: first a limited connectivity IMSI is used for initial network access, then a second IMSI is selected for full connectivity. This segmentation allows the system to use minimal IMSIs during manufacturing while providing full functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A limited connectivity IMSI is pre-provisioned to enable initial network access and profile download, but full connectivity is not established until a second IMSI is selected and activated. This preliminary action allows devices to be manufactured with minimal IMSI provisioning while still enabling connectivity setup.
2Ease of operation
If IMSIs are pre-provisioned to all devices, then connectivity is available out of the box, but many IMSIs will be wasted on devices that never use cellular access
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between different IMSIs based on device state and network conditions. A first IMSI is used for initial access, then a second IMSI is selected for ongoing connectivity. This dynamic approach ensures IMSIs are only activated when needed, preventing wastage on devices that may use Wi-Fi instead.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the IMSI parameter from a static pre-provisioned value to a dynamically selected value. The second IMSI is selected based on various parameters including network availability, device capabilities, and user preferences, optimizing IMSI usage across the device population.
3Productivity
If temporary IMSIs are used for initial access, then IMSI allocation is optimized, but additional steps are required to establish full connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The limited connectivity IMSI performs preliminary actions by enabling initial network attachment and profile download. This preliminary connectivity allows the device to obtain necessary configuration data before full connectivity is established with the second IMSI, streamlining the overall setup process.
Solution Approach 2:
The first limited connectivity IMSI acts as an intermediary that enables initial network access and facilitates the download of profiles and configuration data. This intermediary IMSI bridges the gap between device manufacturing and full connectivity, allowing the second IMSI to be properly configured and activated.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided which includes receiving location information, performing a selection operation to select an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) for obtaining temporary bootstrap connectivity, and attempting to register with a network using the selected IMSI. The selection operation is configured to select one of a first plurality of IMSIs in a first location and one of a second, different, plurality of IMSIs in a second location. Each of the first plurality of IMSIs includes a first predetermined value for at least the first portion of each respective IMSI and each of the second plurality of IMSIs includes a second, different, predetermined value for at least the first portion of each respective IMSI. The selection operation comprises a first and second preconfigured selection characteristic. A network access element, host device, and network node, according to the method, are also described.