Shared SIM Wireless Connection for SIM-Less Mobile Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in conveniently using subscriber identity module (SIM) card information across different devices for network connection, particularly when a device lacks a physical SIM card.

Innovation Solution

A network connection method and device that enables a first mobile terminal to establish a wireless connection with a second mobile terminal to share subscriber identity information, allowing the first terminal to connect to a network using the SIM information from the second terminal, with authentication and maintenance mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a device lacks a physical SIM card, then network connection capability is lost, but adding a physical SIM card slot increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements SIM card sharing by copying SIM identification information (ICCID, IMSI, authentication keys) from a host device to a client device through wireless communication. This digital copy enables the client device to authenticate with the network without requiring a physical SIM card, thus maintaining network connection capability while avoiding the complexity of adding SIM card hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary (Bluetooth, WiFi, or near-field communication) to transfer SIM card information between devices. This intermediary mechanism enables the sharing of subscriber identity data without requiring direct physical SIM card insertion, resolving the contradiction between network access and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If SIM card information is shared across multiple devices, then convenience of use is improved, but security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of useVSAvoidsecurity risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements authentication feedback mechanisms where the network equipment verifies SIM card information before granting access. The host device and client device engage in mutual authentication protocols, ensuring that only authorized devices can share SIM information. This feedback loop maintains security while enabling convenient multi-device access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state of SIM card information from static (stored only on physical SIM) to dynamic (can be temporarily shared with authentication). By implementing time-limited sharing sessions and authentication-based access control, the system enables convenient sharing while mitigating security risks through parameter changes in how the information is managed and protected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If automatic detection and connection establishment is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service functionality where the client device automatically detects the host device, initiates connection requests, and completes authentication without user intervention. The system autonomously manages the SIM card information sharing process, including establishing wireless connections and verifying credentials, thereby improving ease of operation while the automated nature reduces the need for complex manual configuration interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4132052B1Network connection method and device and readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4132052B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4132052B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4132052B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A network connection method, implemented using a first mobile terminal, includes: establishing (S101) a first wireless connection to a second mobile terminal; receiving (S102) subscriber identity information of a subscriber identity module SIM from the second mobile terminal via the first wireless connection; and establishing (S103) a second wireless connection to a network equipment using the subscriber identity information and the first wireless connection, the subscriber identity module SIM is provided in the second mobile terminal for sharing among devices.