Remote eSIM Profile Provisioning for Multi-Network Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing eSIM profiles in MSAs are inefficient and costly due to the need for physical storage slots and backend circuitry, and there is a lack of effective methods for downloading and managing eSIM profiles across multiple networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a network device to request and receive eSIM profiles from an MSA, utilizing eUICCs to authenticate and establish data communication, with optional removable SIMs and WCMs for network access, and a management system for eSIM profile distribution and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If remote SIM technique uses MSAs to store massive number of SIM cards, then users can access local MNO services in visited geographical areas, but the size and cost of MSA increase due to required SIM slots and backend circuitries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses eSIM profiles as digital copies of traditional SIM card functionality. Instead of storing physical SIM cards in an MSA, the system downloads and stores eSIM profiles (which contain IMSI and authentication data) in the eUICC. This digital copying approach eliminates the need for physical SIM slots and backend circuitries, reducing MSA size while maintaining the ability to access multiple MNO services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical SIM card insertion and storage with an electronic/digital system. eSIM profiles are downloaded and stored electronically in the eUICC, eliminating the mechanical SIM card slot infrastructure. This substitution reduces the physical size and complexity of the MSA while enabling the same functionality of accessing multiple MNO services.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional SIM cards are used for switching between MNOs, then users can change network operators, but the process becomes troublesome requiring visits to POS and user validation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service for MNO switching through eSIM profile downloads. Users can autonomously download eSIM profiles for local MNOs in visited geographical areas without needing to visit physical POS locations or undergo manual validation processes. The eUICC automatically provisions the downloaded profiles, allowing users to switch MNOs by simply selecting from available profiles, greatly simplifying the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring eSIM profiles with all necessary authentication data (IMSI, security keys) before the user needs them. These profiles are downloaded and stored in the eUICC in advance, so when users need to switch MNOs, the authentication credentials are already prepared and ready for immediate use, eliminating the need for on-site validation processes.
3Productivity
If eSIM technology is implemented in MSAs, then profile management becomes more efficient, but new methods are required for downloading, managing, and utilizing eSIM profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal eSIM profile management system that works across multiple MNOs and geographical areas. The eUICC can store and switch between multiple eSIM profiles from different MNOs, and the MSA provides a unified interface for downloading and managing these profiles. This multi-functional approach allows the same system to handle profile downloads, storage, selection, and authentication across diverse MNO environments, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses methods and systems for establishing data communication at a network device. The method includes identifying a cellular network by the network device. After that, the network device sends a request to an MSA for an embedded subscriber identification module (eSIM) profile of the cellular network. The MSA may or may not have an eSIM profile of the cellular network available. When an eSIM profile of the cellular network is available, the network device receives the eSIM profile information from the MSA. The network device then sends a request for data communication access to the cellular network using the eSIM profile information to obtain data communication access through the cellular network. The network device may comprise at least one universal integrated circuit card (UICC) and/or embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC).