Operator-Neutral Mobile Device Provisioning via Dedicated Bearer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile device provisioning methods require pre-provisioning with a specific network operator's subscription profile, limiting scalability and flexibility, especially for machine-to-machine (M2M) devices that need to operate with multiple operators without initial connectivity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an operator-neutral mobile device provisioning method that uses a dedicated provisioning bearer to establish network connectivity, allowing devices with embedded SIMs/UICCs to obtain initial or subsequent subscription profiles without prior operator network provisioning, leveraging a secure session and subscription manager to download credentials for different operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile device is pre-provisioned with a specific network operator's subscription profile, then the device can immediately operate on that operator's network, but the device cannot operate with multiple operators and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the provisioning process into two distinct phases: (1) initial attachment phase where the device uses minimal identity information to connect to any operator's network, and (2) subscription profile download phase where the actual operator-specific credentials are retrieved. This segmentation allows the device to be operator-neutral initially while maintaining the ability to operate on specific networks after provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (provisioning bearer and subscription manager) that enables the device to obtain subscription profiles dynamically. Instead of hardcoding operator credentials in the device, the device uses an intermediary provisioning process to retrieve credentials from a remote subscription manager, thereby achieving multi-operator compatibility without increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If subscription profiles are pre-loaded on devices at manufacturing or operator facilities, then initial connectivity is established, but devices lack flexibility for post-deployment provisioning and M2M devices without user interfaces cannot be provisioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the device with basic identity information (such as a temporary IMSI or device identifier) during manufacturing, which is sufficient for initial network attachment. The complete subscription profile is then downloaded automatically in the background without requiring user presence or manual intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation while enabling post-deployment provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The provisioning system implements self-service by automatically downloading subscription profiles to M2M devices without requiring user interface interaction. The device autonomously completes the provisioning process by communicating with the subscription manager through the provisioning bearer, eliminating the need for manual user involvement and enabling provisioning of devices without user interfaces.
3Reliability
If devices are provisioned with operator-specific SIMs, then network security and authentication are ensured, but devices cannot operate on multiple networks and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the subscription profile configurable and changeable after device deployment. Instead of a static, pre-fixed operator affiliation, the device dynamically retrieves and can potentially switch between different operator profiles by re-downloading credentials from the subscription manager. This dynamic approach maintains security through proper authentication protocols while enabling multi-operator capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for provisioning mobile devices in a network operator-neutral manner in communication networks. For example, a method comprises a mobile device that is operator neutral attaching to a first operator network, and the operator neutral mobile device establishing a provisioning bearer in the first operator network.