Secure Virtual SIM Credential Transfer System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
SIM cards, particularly embedded SIMs, are difficult to port between devices and cannot be easily used in non-telephony devices that lack physical SIM card slots, limiting user mobility and carrier network access across different devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that securely transfers SIM credentials from an active device to an inactive device via local connections like NFC, allowing virtual SIM card functionality and enabling secure carrier network access without physical SIM card transfer, using temporary IDs and a carrier ID server for authentication and activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If SIM cards are made physically removable for easy transfer, then ease of operation is improved, but security and reliability deteriorate due to physical loss or theft risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the SIM card functionality through software implementation. The SIM credentials are copied and transferred digitally between devices via local connection, eliminating the need for physical SIM card removal and insertion. This digital copying approach maintains security through encrypted transmission while achieving ease of transfer between devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical SIM card system with an electronic/digital system. Instead of physically removing and inserting SIM cards, the system uses local wireless connections (Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi) to transfer SIM credentials electronically. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and physical loss risks while maintaining the ability to transfer between devices.
2Reliability
If eSIM cards are soldered onto circuit board for security, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to port between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SIM credentials from the physical SIM card or eSIM hardware and separates them as transferable data. By extracting the authentication information from its fixed hardware container, the system enables the credentials to be removed and transferred to different devices through local connection, while the original device can retain or delete the credentials as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility to the previously static SIM credential system. The SIM credentials become dynamically transferable between devices rather than being permanently fixed to one device. The system allows users to dynamically add, remove, and switch credentials between multiple devices based on current needs, transforming the rigid eSIM model into a flexible virtual credential system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical SIM card slots are used for device compatibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal credential transfer mechanism that works across different device types without requiring physical SIM card slots. The local connection-based transfer system can be implemented on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices with wireless communication capabilities, making the SIM credential portability feature universal across multiple device platforms without adding specialized hardware.
4Ease of operation
If SIM credentials are transferred virtually through local connection, then ease of operation is improved, but security risks increase during the transfer process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the user's device as an intermediary and authentication mediator in the credential transfer process. The transferring device and receiving device both require user authentication (biometric or password) to enable the transfer. This intermediary authentication layer ensures that only authorized users can initiate and complete credential transfers, mitigating security risks while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users.
Data Source
AI summary
To virtually transfer subscriber identity module (“SIM”) credentials from an active device to an inactive device in order to share carrier network access, temporary identifiers and SIM credentials are transferred using secure connections and an optional public-private key pair with encryption at the transport layer. In an example, a carrier identification (“ID”) server receives a temporary identifier, such as a temporary international mobile subscriber identity (“TIMSI”), from an inactive device via a carrier network. The carrier ID server authenticates the inactive device using the TIMSI by issuing a network challenge. Next, the carrier ID server verifies with an active device associated with the inactive device that the active device distributed the TIMSI. After authenticating and verifying with both devices, the carrier ID server activates the inactive device by allowing the TIMSI to behave as virtual SIM credentials on the carrier network.