Network-Initiated SIM Profile Provisioning for M2M Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for remote provisioning and control of operator profiles in terminals, such as M2M devices, are inefficient and require end-user participation, which is not feasible in scenarios without a user present.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a discovery server and a data preparation node that uses an authorization table to register and manage event records for profile operations, allowing for automated profile provisioning and control without end-user interaction, by associating integrated circuit card identifiers with service providers and operators, enabling network-initiated profile management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing remote provisioning methods are used, then profile provisioning can be performed remotely, but end-user participation is required which is not feasible in M2M device scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service provisioning where the M2M device automatically receives and processes profile information through the discovery server and data preparation node, eliminating the need for end-user intervention. The device autonomously completes the provisioning workflow by receiving event records, extracting profile information, and applying configurations without human interaction.
2Productivity
If manual profile provisioning is used, then user control and verification are possible, but provisioning efficiency and scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The discovery server pre-registers event records containing profile information and device identifiers before the actual provisioning execution. This preliminary preparation allows the M2M device to rapidly receive and apply profiles without complex real-time processing, thereby increasing provisioning efficiency while managing complexity through structured advance preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The discovery server acts as an intermediary between the data preparation node and the M2M device, managing the complex provisioning process. It receives profile information, registers event records with appropriate identifiers, and delivers them to devices, thereby simplifying the interface for both the data preparation system and the end device while maintaining efficient automated provisioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If automated provisioning without user interaction is implemented, then scalability to M2M devices is improved, but control and authorization verification becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Authorization and control parameters are pre-configured in the event records registered by the discovery server. Device identifiers, profile information, and authorization data are prepared in advance with proper validation, ensuring that automated provisioning maintains reliable control mechanisms while achieving scalability to M2M devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods are disclosed for provisioning and/or controlling operator profiles in terminals (300), each comprising an integrated circuit card (301) identified by an integrated circuit card identifier. A discovery server (100) is configured (2) with an authorization table including associations of integrated circuit card identifier, service provider identifier, and operator identifier(s). The discovery server (100) receives (6), from a data preparation node (200), an event registration request comprising a number of elements. The discovery server (100) determines (8) whether the event is authorized. If so, the event is registered (10). This later enables a terminal (300) to seek to retrieve the event (16), to contact (22) the data preparation node (200), and to eventually perform (28) the profile operation. Terminals (300), network nodes (100, 200), and computer programs for use in the above method are also disclosed. Some embodiments enable the network-initiated provisioning and/or controlling of operator profiles in machine-to-machine devices (300).