Remote Subscriber Entity Management via Intermediary Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current remote SIM provisioning methods require physical proximity between primary and companion devices for management, and assume pre-registration and support for management protocols, which are not always feasible.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that enable remote management of subscriber entities by obtaining a message with an event record containing a pointer to a primary entity, allowing the subscriber entity to establish a connection for management without physical proximity and dedicated management servers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a primary device is used to manage the companion device, then management operations can be performed, but the primary device needs to be physically close to the companion device and provide local tethering access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice management capabilityVSAvoidphysical proximity requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a management server as an intermediary between the companion device and the primary device. The management server receives management requests from the primary device and forwards them to the companion device, eliminating the need for physical proximity and local tethering. This mediator enables remote management operations while maintaining security through server-mediated authentication and communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If device management portal is used without primary device, then physical proximity is not required, but the device must be pre-registered and support the management protocol

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote management capabilityVSAvoidpre-registration and protocol support requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management server is designed to handle multiple device types and management protocols universally. Instead of requiring each device to be pre-registered and support specific protocols, the server provides a universal interface that can manage diverse devices without requiring them to have complex pre-configured capabilities. This reduces device complexity while maintaining remote management functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If local tethering is used for management, then secure authenticated operations can be performed, but the primary device must be physically close to the companion device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidphysical accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical tethering system with a network-based communication system mediated by the management server. Instead of requiring physical proximity for authenticated operations, the server establishes secure network connections between the primary device and companion device, maintaining authentication security while eliminating the need for physical accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3704884B1Management of a subscriber entity

Publication Date: 2022.06.15 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

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AI summary

There is provided mechanisms for enabling management of a subscriber entity. A method is performed by the subscriber entity. The method comprises obtaining a message from a subscription server. The message comprises an event record. The event record is addressed to the subscriber entity and comprises a pointer to a primary entity. The method comprises establishing a connection to the primary entity for management of the subscriber entity.