Integrated MNP and Remote SIM Provisioning Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile number portability (MNP) and remote SIM provisioning processes are manual, require significant user intervention, and lack automation, leading to inefficiencies and increased service disruption during number porting between operators.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for integrated mobile number portability and remote SIM provisioning that automates the process by using a subscription manager-discovery server (SM-DS) and subscription manager-data preparation (SM-DP) to manage unique porting codes, initiate MNP procedures, and transfer profiles between operators, minimizing manual intervention and service downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual MNP and RSP processes are used, then user control and verification are improved, but service disruption time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service through the interaction between LPA, SM-DP, and SM-DS. The LPA automatically retrieves porting information, the SM-DP prepares profiles, and the SM-DS coordinates the porting process without requiring manual user intervention at each step, thus reducing service disruption time while maintaining user control through initial authorization
Solution Approach 2:
The SM-DP prepares the target operator profile in advance before the actual number porting occurs. The LPA retrieves porting information beforehand, and the system pre-configures necessary data structures and profile information, allowing the actual porting operation to complete faster with minimal service disruption
2Loss of information
If manual MNP and RSP processes are used, then process transparency is improved, but productivity and automation level decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms where the LPA receives porting information from the donor operator, the SM-DP receives profile preparation status, and the SM-DS receives completion confirmation. Each component provides status updates and verification feedback, ensuring process transparency while enabling automated decision-making and improving overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The SM-DS serves multiple functions: it acts as a discovery server for profile information, a coordination point for porting operations, and a verification authority for number portability. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple manual processes into a single automated system, improving productivity while maintaining comprehensive process visibility
3Productivity
If integrated automated MNP and RSP is implemented, then productivity and service continuity are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the complex porting process into distinct functional segments: the LPA segment for information retrieval and user equipment management, the SM-DP segment for profile preparation and data management, and the SM-DS segment for coordination and discovery. This segmentation allows each component to be developed, deployed, and maintained independently, managing system complexity while achieving high productivity through automated integration
4Loss of time
If automated profile transfer is implemented, then service disruption is reduced, but security risks and system reliability challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SM-DS acts as an intermediary and trusted mediator between the donor operator, target operator, and profile management systems. It verifies the authenticity of porting requests, validates profile transfer operations, and ensures secure communication channels. This intermediary role reduces service disruption by enabling fast automated transfers while maintaining system reliability through centralized security validation and authentication
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a system and method of preforming integrated mobile number portability (MNP) and remote SIM provisioning (RSP). The method includes: receiving, by a recipient BSS, a subscription request comprising an MNP request indicator from a user equipment; requesting, by the recipient BSS, the subscription request to a recipient Subscription Manager-Data Preparation (SM-DP) to initiate the RSP, creating, by the recipient SM-DP, a recipient MNO profile comprising a recipient MSISDN upon confirmation receipt of the Download Order by the recipient BSS, registering, by the recipient SM-DP, an MNP event in a Subscription Manager-discovery Server (SM-DS) to initiate the MNP, retrieving, by the UE, RSP event details from the SM-DS to execute profile download, and executing, by the UE, the MNP event and the RSP by transferring an eUICC functioning from a donor MNO profile to the recipient MNO profile at porting date and time.