MEP eUICC Applet Coordination for Public–Private Network Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3GPP solutions for switching between public and private networks in 5G networks are limited, particularly for critical use cases, with performance limitations such as a six-minute scanning interval for private network availability, which is inadequate for networks like military applications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-profile eUICC configuration with a Private Network Main Applet and a Private Network Secondary/Monitoring Applet, allowing seamless switching between public and private networks by monitoring network coverage changes and automatically adjusting the connection to ensure continuous service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single applet scans for private network availability every 6 minutes, then the device can detect private network availability, but the response time is too slow for critical use cases
Solution Approach 1:
The single scanning applet is segmented into two separate applets: a Primary applet that performs continuous scanning for private network availability, and a Secondary applet that handles the actual switching logic. This segmentation allows the scanning function to operate continuously without the performance limitations of the original single applet, while the switching function remains dedicated and efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The Primary applet continuously scans for private network availability in advance, maintaining constant monitoring rather than waiting for periodic triggers. This preliminary continuous action ensures that when a user needs to switch networks, the system already has current information about private network availability, eliminating detection delays.
2Productivity
If the device uses a single profile for network switching, then the device complexity is low, but the switching performance and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single network profile is segmented into two distinct profiles: a Public network profile and a Private network profile. Each profile is managed by its own dedicated applet, allowing independent optimization of scanning and switching functions. This segmentation improves switching performance by enabling parallel operations and continuous monitoring without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The Secondary applet serves multiple functions: it manages the Private network profile, handles switching logic, and coordinates with the Primary applet for continuous scanning. This multi-functionality consolidates critical switching operations into a single efficient component, improving productivity without requiring separate dedicated modules for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention proposes a method for switching a terminal 10 supporting MEP Multi-Enabled Profiles between a public network and a private network, the terminal 10 having two paired profiles in a MEP enabled eUICC 13, a first profile 17 being attached to a first modem 15 and a second profile 18 being attached to a second modem 16, the first modem 15 being active and the second modem 16 being in standby mode, the second profile 18 being a non-public network NPN profile, the first profile 17 comprising a first applet 21, called Private Network Main Applet, the second profile 18 comprising a second applet 22, called Private Network Secondary/Monitoring Applet, the method comprising: - As soon as the second modem 16 loses coverage with a NPN, sending from the Private Network Secondary/Monitoring Applet 22 to the Private Network Main Applet 21, through an interface 20 between the applets 21, 22, a message indicating that the NPN is no longer available, in order to connect the terminal 10 through the first modem 15 to a public network; - As soon as the second modem 16 regains coverage with the NPN, sending from the Private Network Secondary/Monitoring Applet 22 to the Private Network Main Applet 21, through the interface 20, a message indicating that the NPN is available, in order to connect the terminal 10 through the first modem 15 to the NPN.