Master-Slave Wireless Network Access via SIM Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in accessing public wireless networks with multiple devices simultaneously using a single set of subscriber identification information, leading to labor-intensive SIM card swapping, extra costs, and data/communication losses due to desynchronization and differing wireless capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system where a master device can share network access information with slave devices, allowing them to connect to a public wireless network independently, enabling multiple devices to access the network using a common set of subscriber identification information without the need for separate SIM cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a subscriber uses a single SIM card for one device to access a public wireless network, then authorized access is established, but multiple devices cannot access the network simultaneously without purchasing additional SIM cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network access functionality by separating the authentication credentials (stored in SIM card on master device) from the actual network access execution (performed by slave devices). This allows the master device to share its network access capabilities with multiple slave devices, enabling simultaneous network access for multiple devices without requiring separate SIM cards for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The master device's SIM card and network access credentials become a universal key that can be shared across multiple devices. The system enables one SIM card to serve multiple devices simultaneously through the master-slave architecture, where the master device can grant network access permissions to multiple slave devices, making the single SIM card universally applicable across the device group.
2Reliability
If a subscriber purchases separate SIM cards for each device to access the network simultaneously, then each device can access independently, but costs increase and data synchronization issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple network access operations under a single SIM card and authentication credential set. Instead of using separate SIM cards for each device, the system combines the authentication function into one master device and allows multiple slave devices to share access through this single credential source, thereby reducing the total number of SIM cards needed while maintaining reliable data continuity across all devices.
3Ease of operation
If SIM cards are manually transferred between devices to enable network access, then network access is maintained, but the process becomes labor-intensive and data loss occurs due to desynchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a digital copying mechanism where the master device electronically shares network access information with slave devices through wireless communication. Instead of physically transferring SIM cards between devices, the system creates and transmits digital copies of network access credentials, allowing instant and seamless network access switching without manual intervention, thereby eliminating time loss and preventing data desynchronization issues.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices use different SIM cards with different wireless capabilities, then each device accesses network independently, but desynchronization causes data and communication loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the master device monitors and coordinates network access status across all slave devices. The master device receives feedback from slave devices about their network status and actively manages synchronization, ensuring that all devices maintain consistent network states. This feedback loop prevents data loss by coordinating access and resolving synchronization issues before they cause information loss.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device comprising: a communication processor configured to access a communication service over a public wireless network (PWN), using network access information (NAI) that is associated with the communication service; a connectivity circuit configured to transmit the NAI to an external device via a communication link, to provide first data to the external device via the communication link, and to receive second data from the external device via the communication link; a subscriber identification module (SIM) including subscriber identification information (SII), and configured to connect to the communication service over the PWN using the SII; and an application processor configured to control the communication processor and the connectivity circuit, and to control a process on information provided from the communication processor and/or the connectivity circuit, wherein when the communication service is terminated, the second data is relayed to the connectivity circuit from the external device via the communication link.