Network Subscription Re-provisioning via Inverted Signaling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing communication connections of terminal devices, especially IoT devices, are hindered by their location behind obstacles like private networks and firewalls, leading to difficulties in software updates, configuration modifications, and subscription provisioning, with known solutions increasing costs and battery consumption.
Innovation Solution
A network-controlled method involving a management entity that generates a signal to initiate a network attach request, establishes a communication channel, and transmits data for subscription re-provisioning, using Service Capability Exposure Function or Network Exposure Function for communication with mobile communication networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal device polls the management server regularly, then the management server can reach the terminal device, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the terminal device initiating polling connections to the management server, the invention inverts the approach by having the management server initiate downlink connections to the terminal device. The server sends signals to the terminal device's identity module, which then triggers the terminal to establish an uplink connection back to the server, achieving reliable management access without continuous polling from the energy-constrained terminal device.
2Reliability
If short message service is used to request terminal device connection, then the terminal device can be reached, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention leverages the existing cellular signaling infrastructure already present in all mobile terminal devices for its multi-functionality. The same signaling mechanisms used for basic cellular communication are repurposed to enable management server contact, eliminating the need for additional short message service capabilities or specialized hardware components that would increase device cost.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the terminal device is positioned behind private networks and firewalls, then network security is improved, but direct network access for management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces the terminal device's identity module as an intermediary that bridges the management server and the terminal device positioned behind network barriers. The management server communicates with the identity module through available network interfaces, and the identity module facilitates connection establishment to the terminal device, enabling management access without requiring direct penetration of private network boundaries or firewalls.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a network-controlled management of a subscription applied by a terminal device is provided, the method comprises: generating a signal to a network management entity of a first mobile communication network to cause a generation of a network initiated attach request to the terminal device; establishing, in response to the receipt of the signal from the terminal device, a communication channel on a user plane with the terminal device, transmitting data to the terminal device, the data comprising at least part of a definition of a subscription in order to re-provisioning of the subscription to cause an attachment to a second mobile communication network. An apparatus and a computer program are also provided to.