Secure Element NAS Signaling for Bidirectional 5G Administration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for administering secure elements in new generation networks like LTE, such as SMS-based 'push' and HTTP-based 'polling', are inadequate due to low bandwidth and unidirectional limitations, particularly in 5G networks.

Innovation Solution

Establishing a bidirectional NAS signaling channel between a secure element and a distant platform through a NEF using 5G network signaling, enabling exchange of containers via a NAS layer for secure element administration, including a generic 'UICC container' with PLMN lists and other messages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If SMS-based push method is used for secure element administration, then bidirectional communication is achieved, but bandwidth is very low

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the communication parameter from SMS-based protocol to NAS signaling protocol, enabling the channel to support larger data volumes while maintaining bidirectional communication capabilities through the 5G core network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The NAS signaling channel serves multiple functions including secure element administration, data transmission, and signaling, replacing the need for separate SMS and HTTP channels by providing a unified bidirectional communication path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If HTTP-based polling method is used for secure element administration, then sufficient bandwidth is achieved, but the channel is unidirectional requiring continuous polling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidbidirectional communication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional client-server model where the UE initiates HTTP connections, by enabling the network side (through NEF and SMSC) to initiate NAS signaling messages to the secure element, achieving push functionality with high bandwidth

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces NEF (Network Exposure Function) as an intermediary that bridges the HTTP-based platform and the NAS-based 5G core network, enabling bidirectional communication by translating and routing messages between different protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If SMS channel is used for data exchange, then bidirectional communication is possible, but bandwidth is insufficient for modern applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidcompatibility with new generation networks

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the legacy SMS mechanical system with a NAS signaling system that operates natively in 5G networks, substituting an outdated protocol with a modern network-native protocol that provides both higher capacity and better compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12464347B2Method for establishing a bidirectional NAS signalization channel between a secure element cooperating with a terminal and a distant platform

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 THALES DIS FRANCE SA

AI summary

The invention proposes a method for establishing a bidirectional NAS signalization channel between a secure element cooperating with a terminal and a distant platform through a Network Exposure Function, upon request of either the secure element or the distant platform. The method includes an exchange of containers of data between the distant platform and the secure element through the Network Exposure Function.