NB-IoT SIM Card Remote Update via UDP Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for updating SIM card settings in Narrow Band-Internet of Things devices are inefficient due to the lack of MSISDN support and the need for costly high-speed message packages, which are not scalable for the increasing number of IoT devices, and rely on protocols like SMPP and Short Message Services that are difficult to implement without MSISDN.

Innovation Solution

A method for remotely updating SIM card settings in NB-IoT devices using a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) communication channel, which establishes a connection between a configuration data-providing entity and the SIM card, allowing for data exchange without the need for MSISDN, and emulates HTTP-OTA mechanisms to support existing infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional Over-the-Air services using Short Message Services or HTTP-OTA are used, then SIM card settings can be updated, but costly MSISDN and high-speed message packages are required which are not scalable for huge numbers of IoT devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescalability for IoT devicesVSAvoidcostly MSISDN resources
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the SIM card update function from the traditional SMS/HTTP-OTA framework that requires MSISDN, and implements it directly over IP using UDP protocol. This separates the configuration update mechanism from the voice/SMS infrastructure, eliminating the need for costly MSISDN allocation while maintaining the ability to update SIM settings remotely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a UDP-based communication channel as an intermediary between the configuration data-providing entity and the SIM card. This intermediary replaces the traditional SMS gateway and HTTP-OTA mechanisms, enabling direct data exchange without requiring MSISDN or high-speed message packages, thus resolving the scalability issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If protocols like SMPP and Short Message Services are used for SIM card configuration, then configuration can be performed, but it becomes difficult to send messages without MSISDN and requires costly high-speed message packages

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSIM card configuration capabilityVSAvoidprotocol implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the complex SMS/SMPP protocol stack with a simpler UDP-based IP communication mechanism. Instead of using the traditional SMS message routing infrastructure, the system uses direct UDP datagrams to transmit configuration commands and responses, dramatically simplifying the protocol implementation while maintaining configuration capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the configuration update function from the SMS/SMPP protocol framework and implements it independently over IP/UDP. This separation allows the system to perform SIM card configuration without relying on the complex SMS infrastructure, eliminating the need for MSISDN and reducing protocol complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Use of energy by moving object

If NB-IoT devices are made lightweight without voice transmission capability, then resource consumption is reduced, but MSISDN cannot be assigned making traditional OTA updates difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource consumptionVSAvoidcompatibility with traditional OTA services
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the communication parameter from SMS-based (requiring MSISDN) to IP-based UDP communication. This parameter change enables NB-IoT devices to receive configuration updates without voice capability or MSISDN assignment, maintaining lightweight resource consumption while achieving compatibility with remote update services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a UDP communication channel as an intermediary that bridges the configuration data-providing entity and the SIM card in NB-IoT devices. This intermediary enables OTA updates for lightweight devices without voice capability, as UDP can operate over IP without requiring MSISDN or voice transmission infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3557896B1Over-the-air remote management of NB-iot SIM cards
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT EPAYMENTS GMBH
  • EP3557896B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3557896B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3557896B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is directed towards a method for updating SIM card settings, especially of NB-IoT devices which are lightweight components not arranged to perform voice transmission and consequently not holding an MSISDN. The present invention is furthermore directed towards a communication system arranged in accordance with the suggested method along with a computer program product holding instructions implementing the suggested method and arranged to operate the suggested communication system.