Communication Device Configuration via SIM Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication device configuration methods, especially for LTE mobile devices and VoIP technology, are inefficient as they require manual delivery of unique numerical codes, leading to prolonged setup times and confusion in assigning identification keys, hindering immediate device activation and secure configuration.

Innovation Solution

A method where a communication device establishes a connection with an external configuration computer unit, using chip card-related identification features like IMSI and SuperPIN for authentication, allowing automatic configuration by matching transmitted data with stored data to retrieve and apply configuration settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual delivery of unique numerical codes is used for configuration, then security and identification are improved, but setup time increases and immediate activation is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure identificationVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device performs self-identification using its built-in SIM card and automatic configuration through the configuration server, eliminating the need for manual code delivery and reducing setup time while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual delivery system of physical codes with an automated electronic system where the device automatically transmits identification data to the configuration server over a communication network

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If standard SIM card identification features are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional authentication requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidauthentication process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the SIM card serve multiple functions: both as a standard identification card for network authentication and as a source of configuration data for device setup, eliminating the need for separate configuration codes and simplifying user operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration server acts as an intermediary that automatically processes the identification data from the SIM card, retrieves corresponding configuration data, and transmits it to the device, handling the complex authentication and configuration matching process automatically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automatic configuration via configuration server is implemented, then setup time is reduced, but security risks increase due to data transmission over networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration speedVSAvoidsecurity vulnerabilities
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts sensitive identification data (IMSI, PIN) from the SIM card for temporary transmission to the configuration server, but immediately after retrieval, the system closes the communication connection, minimizing the exposure window and reducing security risks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication using the SIM card data before any configuration data is transmitted, ensuring that only authorized devices can access configuration data and establishing security protocols in advance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2482573B1Method for configuring a communication device and communication device
Publication Date: 2017.04.19 VODAFONE GMBH
  • EP2482573B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2482573B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Among other things, a method for configuring a communication device (10) and a communication device (10) are described. A communication connection (20) is established from the communication device (10) to an external configuration computer unit (30), and identification data (100) relating to the communication device (10) is transmitted from the communication device (10) to the external configuration computer unit (30) for the purpose of authenticating the communication device (10). The identification data (100) transmitted consists of chip card-related identification features (111), which are assigned to a chip card (11) for identification purposes. The chip card (11) is assigned to the communication device (10), and upon successful authentication, the communication device (10) is configured.