Network Device SIM Card Sharing for Reliable Remote Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing a plurality of SIM cards across multiple wireless communication devices (WCDs), especially in remote or hard-to-reach locations, is challenging due to the complexity of configuring and managing individual SIM cards, and remote SIM solutions are unreliable and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system allowing network devices to share SIM cards by selecting and authenticating SIM cards between connected network devices, either physically or wirelessly, enabling aggregated end-to-end connections and user interface control for SIM card selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote SIM solutions are used to manage SIM cards in remote locations, then SIM card accessibility is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to data delay and loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a SIM card sharing system where a first network device acts as an intermediary, providing its local SIM card resources to a second network device. This mediator approach allows the second device to access SIM cards without requiring remote SIM solutions, thus maintaining reliability while improving accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If remote SIM solutions are deployed, then SIM card management in remote locations is enabled, but upfront investment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a first network device to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a regular network device and as a SIM card server for other devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated SIM banks in remote locations, reducing upfront investment while maintaining management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically transporting SIM cards to remote locations or deploying SIM banks, the system creates a virtual copy of the SIM card access capability through network communication. The second network device can use the first device's SIM cards remotely without physical presence, eliminating the need for expensive SIM bank infrastructure.
3Productivity
If each WCD is configured and managed individually, then device-specific optimization is achieved, but management time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the SIM card management functions of multiple network devices into a unified system. The first network device consolidates SIM card resources that can be shared with the second network device, allowing centralized management and reducing the time required to configure and manage SIM cards across multiple devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for using a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) of a second network device at first network device for communication. The first network device may be managed through the second network device. The first network device sends a UICC selection request to a UICC selection module. When a UICC selection reply is received, the first network device sends a UICC information request to the second network device to receive a UICC information. The first network device then establishes a wireless communication channel with the UICC information through its first wireless communication module. At least two processing units of the second network device may communicate with each other by using Internet Protocol (IP) packets through at least two internal network interfaces.