Multi-SIM Capability Signaling for Simultaneous PLMN Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication devices with multiple SIM cards face challenges in managing conflicting configurations and optimizing performance, such as battery life, due to the lack of a framework for multi-SIM capability signaling.

Innovation Solution

A framework is developed for wireless devices to indicate their multi-SIM capability to wireless networks, allowing for desired reconfiguration and efficient management of multiple SIM card connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user equipment supports multiple subscriber identities (SIMs) and requires simultaneous access to multiple public land mobile networks (PLMNs), then the network coverage and service availability are improved, but the signaling overhead and complexity of network management increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-PLMN access capabilityVSAvoidsignaling framework complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the multi-PLMN access capability into individual subscription management units. Each subscription maintains its own identity and access parameters, allowing the network to manage each PLMN connection independently through separate signaling procedures while the device maintains multiple simultaneous connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal signaling framework that handles multiple PLMN access scenarios through a unified mechanism. The same signaling procedures and network elements can serve multiple subscriptions and multiple PLMNs simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity despite the increased capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the network supports multiple subscriptions per user equipment with simultaneous PLMN access, then the service continuity and user experience are improved, but the network element processing load and signaling resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidsignaling resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the management of multiple subscriptions and multiple PLMN accesses into a unified network element structure. The same network elements that handle single-subscription access are extended to handle multiple subscriptions simultaneously, consolidating processing functions and reducing redundant signaling resource consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying mechanisms where network elements can serve multiple subscriptions by maintaining replicated state information and using identical signaling procedures for each subscription. This allows service continuity across PLMNs while avoiding the need for entirely separate processing paths for each subscription

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4209110B1Multi-subscriber identity module capability signaling framework

Publication Date: 2026.04.29 APPLE INC

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AI summary

A technique for determining that a wireless device supports using multiple subscriber identity module (SIM) cards to establish multiple connections to wireless networks, generating a multi-SIM capability message, and transmitting the multi-SIM capability message to a first wireless network. In another aspect, a technique for a wireless system to receive a multi-SIM capability message from a wireless device, determine a connection configuration of the wireless device based on the received multi-SIM capability message, and transmit an indication of the configured connection to the wireless device.