Mobile Access Configuration via SIM Card SMS Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for mobile access to cellular networks are error-prone and unpredictable, especially when roaming, due to manual configuration requirements and missing functionality in computers or SIM cards, leading to unpredictable data transfer costs and setup issues.
Innovation Solution
A system that reuses the standard AT-dialog and overlays it with a higher level protocol to exchange configuration data between a mobile memory means, such as a SIM card, and a mobile computer, enabling automatic setup of connections to cellular or distributed networks, including cost and operator information exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual configuration is used for mobile access setup, then configuration can be performed with existing basic functionality, but the process becomes error-prone and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The SIM card automatically performs configuration tasks by executing configuration files received via SMS messages. The system enables itself to be configured without user intervention, with the SIM card reading and executing configuration instructions stored in the SMS messages, thereby achieving self-service configuration that eliminates manual setup errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration system that uses SMS messages as a carrier to transfer configuration files from a remote server to the mobile device. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between existing basic functionality and automated configuration, allowing complex configuration data to be transmitted through a reliable channel without requiring advanced device capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If roaming to another operator's network, then mobile access is maintained, but data transfer costs become unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by receiving and storing operator-specific configuration files in the SIM card before roaming occurs. Configuration files containing cost information and network parameters for multiple operators are pre-loaded into the SIM card via SMS messages, enabling the device to automatically select and use the appropriate configuration when roaming, thus maintaining cost predictability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically loading different configuration sets based on the detected network operator. The SIM card stores multiple configuration files with different parameters (APN, authentication details, cost rates) for different operators, and automatically switches between them based on which operator's network the device is connected to, maintaining adaptability while preserving cost information.
3Extent of automation
If configuration data is stored in the SIM card, then automatic setup is enabled, but compatibility with existing computers and SIM cards is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by using SMS messages as a universal communication channel that works with existing SIM cards and mobile devices. The configuration system leverages the universally supported SMS functionality to deliver configuration files to any mobile device with a SIM card, while the configuration data itself is stored in the SIM card's accessible memory, making the automated configuration capability universally applicable without requiring hardware modifications.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (10) operable to enable mobile access for a mobile computer means (12), comprised in the system(10), to a cellular network (14) or a distributed computer network (16). The system (10) also comprises an interface means (18) operable to exchange configuration data for the cellular network (14) between a mobile memory means (20) comprised in the system (10) and the mobile computer means (12). The mobile computer means (12) comprises a client means (22) operable to retrieve the configuration data, whereby the mobile computer means (12) is operable to automatically set up a connection to e. g. the distributed computer network (16).