Memory Module Activation Across Multiple Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for activating and managing memory modules on telecommunications terminals are complex and require substantial modifications to both the memory modules and network architecture, making it difficult to seamlessly switch between networks and manage subscriptions across multiple countries.

Innovation Solution

A method that authenticates a memory module with a central database via an interconnection gateway, allowing a single type of memory module to be recognized across multiple networks, enabling activation and management without the need for pre-loading sensitive data, and allowing terminals to switch from roaming to local traffic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single type of memory module is used across multiple networks, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to authenticate and activate on different networks becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory module type varietyVSAvoidnetwork authentication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The solution segments the identification data into two parts: a permanent manufacturer identifier stored in the memory module, and a temporary network-specific identifier stored in the terminal. This allows the same memory module to work across different networks by switching the temporary identifier, resolving the contradiction between standardization and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of identification data by switching between a permanent manufacturer identifier and a temporary network identifier. This parameter switching enables the same memory module to be authenticated on different networks without requiring multiple hardware types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If sensitive data is pre-loaded on terminals for multiple networks, then activation on multiple networks is enabled, but security risks increase and the process becomes tedious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-network activationVSAvoidsecurity risk from pre-loaded sensitive data
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The solution extracts the sensitive authentication data from the terminal and stores it securely in the network's database. The terminal only keeps a non-sensitive temporary identifier, which is used to retrieve the actual authentication credentials from the database during activation, eliminating the need to pre-load sensitive data on the terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a temporary identifier as an intermediary between the terminal and the sensitive authentication data. This temporary identifier is stored in the terminal and used to access the actual credentials in the database, allowing multi-network activation without exposing sensitive data on the terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If terminals are distributed in several countries with different network subscriptions, then local service access is enabled, but the activation process becomes complex and requires modifications for each country

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal service accessVSAvoidactivation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solution makes the memory module universal by storing only the manufacturer identifier, which is recognized by all networks. The network-specific activation is handled through a standardized process involving a temporary identifier and database lookup, allowing the same hardware to function across different countries without modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service activation where the terminal automatically retrieves its authentication credentials from the database using its temporary identifier, without requiring manual configuration or complex activation procedures for each country.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If existing network architecture is modified to support memory module authentication, then network control is improved, but implementation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork control capabilityVSAvoidnetwork architecture modification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by storing the manufacturer identifier in the memory module during manufacturing and pre-configuring the database with device credentials. This allows the network to authenticate devices using a standardized process without requiring complex real-time modifications to the network architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2801220B1Method for activating on a second network a terminal comprising a memory module associated with a first network
Publication Date: 2018.05.02 ORANGE SA
  • EP2801220B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2801220B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2801220B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The subject of the present invention pertains to a method of activation on a second network (N2) of a terminal (T) comprising a memory module (200) comprising a temporary identification datum (ID_T) and being associated in a central database (DB1) with a first predetermined network (N1), said method of activation (100) comprising a first step of authenticating the memory module (200) with the central database (DB1) by way of the temporary identification datum (ID_T), a step of determination consisting in determining a new identification datum (ID_N1, ID_N2, ID_N3) following an activation of the terminal (T) in the second network (N2), and a first step of transmission consisting in transmitting this new identification datum (ID_N1, ID_N2, ID_N3) to the memory module (200) for storage on the memory module (200) of this new identification datum (ID_N1, ID_N2, ID_N3), the subject of the present invention also pertains to the associated computing entity (100) associated and the terminal (T) comprising the associated memory module (200).