SIM Applet IMSI Swapping Without OTA Connectivity Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) updates in SIM cards are prone to service-impacting issues due to network connectivity losses during the swap process, leading to incomplete updates and potential replacement of SIM cards.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a lightweight SIM applet to perform IMSI swaps locally, decoupling the process from over-the-air (OTA) servers, ensuring successful swaps even in the presence of network connectivity loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If OTA server is used for IMSI updates, then remote update capability is improved, but service reliability deteriorates due to network connectivity loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local proxy server as an intermediary between the SIM card and the remote OTA server. This proxy server stores IMSI data locally in the SIM card, enabling the SIM to perform self-updates without requiring continuous network connectivity to the remote server, thus resolving the contradiction between remote update capability and service reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading IMSI data and update capabilities into the SIM card's local proxy server before network connectivity is lost. This allows the SIM card to autonomously perform IMSI updates even when the network connection fails, maintaining service reliability while preserving remote update functionality
2Reliability
If SIM applet is used for local IMSI updates, then service continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the SIM card's proxy server to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a local storage for IMSI data and an autonomous update mechanism. This multi-functionality enables service continuity without requiring separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system and method for international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) swapping in subscriber identity module (SIM) cards. The system uses an applet mechanism to perform preliminary checks on the IMSI and thereafter checks if the IMSI is already swapped in which case it will disable itself and exit. In case the applet mechanism decides to swap IMSI after above checks, then the applet mechanism will not only update IMSI but also perform all other necessary actions. The applet mechanism may be used to update the fifth generation (5G) IMSI in the existing SIM cards. As the applet mechanism may update the IMSI in the SIM independent of SIM over the air (OTA)/network connectivity after being triggered, failure of services to the customer may be totally eradicated.