Shared IMSI Allocation for Reliable IoT Cellular Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for allocating International Mobile Subscriber Identities (IMSIs) to IoT and M2M devices result in inefficient use and potential exhaustion of IMSI resources due to devices not persistently using their allocated IMSIs, leading to increased collision probability and waste.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where IMSIs can be shared among multiple host devices, with private IMSIs uniquely assigned to each device and shared IMSIs available across devices, managed by a network element to prevent concurrent use and optimize IMSI allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IMSIs are allocated to each IoT and M2M device individually, then each device can authenticate to the cellular network independently, but IMSI resources are wasted due to devices not persistently using their allocated IMSIs and collision probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared IMSI mechanism where a single IMSI can be used by multiple host devices sequentially for cellular network authentication. The network element tracks which devices are currently using the shared IMSI and manages allocation dynamically. This allows the same IMSI to serve multiple devices over time, improving resource efficiency while maintaining authentication reliability through proper coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allocates and deallocates the shared IMSI to different host devices based on their current need for cellular network access. The network element monitors device registration and deregistration events, adjusting IMSI allocation in real-time. This dynamic approach allows IMSI resources to be reused efficiently while ensuring that only authorized devices can authenticate at any given time.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple devices share the same IMSI, then IMSI resource usage is optimized, but collision probability increases when multiple devices attempt to use the IMSI simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network element as an intermediary that manages shared IMSI allocation between multiple host devices. This intermediary tracks which devices are currently registered and authorized to use the shared IMSI, coordinating access to prevent conflicts. The network element receives authentication requests, verifies device authorization, and manages the shared IMSI accordingly, eliminating collisions while maintaining resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network element continuously monitors device registration status and adjusts IMSI allocation based on current usage. When a device registers or deregisters, the network element receives feedback and相应地 manages the shared IMSI allocation. This feedback loop ensures that the shared IMSI is only used by authorized devices, preventing authentication conflicts while optimizing resource utilization.
3Reliability
If private IMSIs are assigned to each device, then authentication reliability is maintained, but IMSI resource waste increases due to non-persistent device usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared IMSI mechanism where a single IMSI can be used by multiple host devices sequentially for cellular network authentication. The network element tracks which devices are currently using the shared IMSI and manages allocation dynamically. This allows the same IMSI to serve multiple devices over time, improving resource efficiency while maintaining authentication reliability through proper coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and reuses IMSI resources when devices deregister or no longer need cellular network access. The network element monitors device status and reclaims the shared IMSI from devices that have completed their usage, making it available for other devices. This recovery mechanism eliminates resource waste from non-persistent usage while maintaining authentication reliability through controlled allocation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for a host device to obtain cellular network connectivity is provided which includes performing a first process at a first time, the first process comprising using non-cellular data connectivity to download a profile data structure, the profile data structure comprising a set of two or more International Mobile Subscriber Identities, IMSIs, and authentication data; and performing a second process at a second time, the second time being after the first time, the second process comprising selecting an IMSI from the set of IMSIs; and attempting to register with a cellular network using the selected IMSI and the authentication data to obtain cellular network connectivity. A method to enable a host device to obtain cellular network connectivity, host device, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, network element for authenticating a host device to a cellular network, and computing system communicatively coupled to a cellular network according to the method, are also described.