Multi-IMSI SIM Identity Management for Roaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile telecommunications systems are inefficient in managing identities for users traveling across different territories, leading to high roaming charges and cumbersome SIM management, as they often require multiple SIM cards and complex user interactions to avoid roaming surcharges.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing identities in mobile devices that detect device-specific parameters such as handset type and subscription type to select the most suitable IMSI from a database, prioritizing records and modifying the active identity to ensure effective network connection and minimize service disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple SIM cards are purchased for different territories, then roaming charges are avoided, but device complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single SIM card is made universal by storing multiple IMSI identities within it, allowing the SIM to function across different territories without requiring multiple physical SIM cards. The SIM card becomes a multi-functional device that can present different identities to different networks based on location
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple IMSI identities are nested within a single SIM card structure. The SIM card contains a hierarchy of identity information, with multiple IMSIs stored internally and selectively presented to networks, similar to nested dolls where smaller elements are contained within a larger structure
2Loss of energy
If manual SIM swapping is performed for each territory, then roaming charges are reduced, but user interaction and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SIM card autonomously manages identity selection without requiring user intervention. The SIM monitors location, detects when roaming conditions occur, and automatically selects the appropriate IMSI from its stored identities, making the system self-serving and eliminating manual SIM swapping
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple IMSI identities are pre-loaded into the SIM card before travel. The appropriate identity is already prepared and stored in advance, allowing the SIM to quickly switch identities when needed without requiring real-time user configuration or manual setup
3Ease of operation
If a single SIM with multiple IMSIs is used, then SIM management is simplified, but automatic identity selection based on device parameters is needed to ensure service reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the SIM card detects device parameters (handset type, subscription type) and network conditions, then uses this information to select the most appropriate IMSI. The system continuously monitors service quality and can switch identities if the current one proves ineffective, ensuring reliable service through adaptive decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The SIM card changes its operational parameters by selecting different IMSIs based on detected device parameters such as handset type and subscription type. This parameter-based selection ensures that the correct identity is used for each specific device configuration, maintaining service reliability while simplifying user management
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing identities for use in a mobile telecommunications device in a telecommunications network is described. First of all, an identity management process is triggered. After this, one or more parameters associated with the mobile telecommunications device is detected. The identity management process than has the following features. An identity management rule determined by the one or more parameters is detected. An identity database is then searched. Each record of the identity database comprises an identity and additional identity information for each identity, wherein the searching prioritizes records according to the identity management rule. An identity is then selected when a record conforming to the identity management rule is found in said searching. The active identity of the mobile telecommunications device is then changed to be the selected identity when the active identity is not already the selected identity. A subscriber identity module adapted for use with this method is described.