Multi-IMSI SIM Card Network Switching for Remote Telemetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless device-reading systems are limited by their reliance on a single cellular network, requiring SIM replacement to switch carriers, which hampers adoption due to long-term contracts and network inoperability issues across various applications like utility metering, vehicle monitoring, and tele-health.
Innovation Solution
A wireless data-transfer device equipped with multiple subscriber identifiers (IMSIs) and network selection rules, allowing it to switch between different wireless networks, providing redundancy and flexibility in data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single SIM card with one IMSI is used, then the device is simple to operate, but the device cannot switch between different wireless networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single SIM card to store multiple IMSIs (International Mobile Subscriber Identifiers), allowing the device to access multiple wireless networks through one card rather than requiring separate SIM cards for each network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the SIM card's IMSI selection changeable and adaptable based on network conditions, allowing the device to dynamically switch between different IMSIs and networks rather than being fixed to a single identifier
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual SIM replacement is required to switch carriers, then network flexibility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the device to automatically select and switch between different IMSIs based on pre-configured selection rules, eliminating the need for manual SIM card replacement or user intervention in the network switching process
3Reliability
If a single wireless network is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of data transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-configuring multiple IMSIs and selection rules in the SIM card before deployment, creating a backup mechanism that ensures continuous data transmission capability even if one network fails, without adding complex runtime decision-making logic
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless monitoring system comprises a remote asset about which data is to be collected and a wireless data- transfer device connected to the remote asset. The wireless device includes a radiofrequency transceiver and a chip having a memory for storing a plurality of subscriber identifiers corresponding to different wireless networks and for further storing logic that constitutes network selection rules for selecting one of the wireless networks to use for transmission of the data. In a GSM/UMTS implementation of this technology, the subscriber identifier is the IMSI and the chip is a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) chip or card. By using multiple IMSI' s, the wireless data-transfer device connected to the remote asset may switch seamlessly between wireless networks. A new IMSI (for a new network) may be provisioned over the air to enable the device to communicate over a new network for which it did not previously have an IMSI.