Online Subscription Data Configuration for eUICC Operator Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In machine-to-machine (M2M) systems, embedded universal integrated circuit cards (eUICCs) make it difficult to change network operators, as existing technologies do not support online subscription data configuration, limiting users' and service providers' ability to switch between network operators.
Innovation Solution
A method for online subscription data configuration is provided, involving the Subscription Management Function (SMF) that acquires and generates user subscription data, including an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and performs configuration on the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and Subscription Profile Repository (SPR), enabling seamless switching between network operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an eUICC is embedded in the device during manufacturing, then the device structure is simplified and the card is fixed, but it becomes very difficult to change the eUICC or switch network operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the subscription data from the eUICC hardware by introducing a dedicated subscription data configuration function device. This segmentation allows the eUICC to remain embedded and fixed in the device (maintaining manufacturing simplicity) while the subscription data can be independently configured and updated online (enabling operator switching capability).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a subscription data configuration function device as an intermediary between the UE and the HSS/SPR. This intermediary handles the online configuration of subscription data, enabling operator switching without requiring physical eUICC changes, thus resolving the contradiction between fixed hardware and flexible service subscription.
2Device complexity
If the network side does not support online subscription data configuration, then the system structure is simple, but the requirements of users and application providers for changing network operators cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The subscription data configuration function device is designed with multi-functionality, handling both the configuration of user subscription data and user service subscription data. This universal device enables online operator switching while maintaining relatively simple system architecture by consolidating functions in a single network element.
3Ease of operation
If subscription data is configured offline through SIM card insertion, then the configuration process is simple, but it cannot meet the online dynamic configuration requirements of M2M systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical SIM card insertion method with an online electronic configuration system. The subscription data configuration function device communicates with the HSS and SPR through digital signals, enabling dynamic online configuration of subscription data without physical card changes, thus meeting M2M system requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method, an apparatus, and a method for online subscription data configuration. This method for online subscription data configuration includes: acquiring, by a subscription data configuration function device (SMF), equipment capability information of a user equipment (UE) and information of a service supported by the UE; generating, by the SMF, user subscription data according to the equipment capability information of the UE and the information of service supported by the UE, and generating user service subscription data according to the information of the service supported by the UE; where the user subscription data and the user service subscription data include an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) allocated to the UE by the SMF; performing, by the SMF, subscription data configuration on a home subscriber server (HSS) and a subscription profile repository (SPR), according to the user subscription data and the user service subscription data.