SIM Control Mechanism for Mobile Network Signaling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices continue to attempt to reconnect to a mobile network even after their subscription has expired or they are no longer permitted to communicate, leading to increased unnecessary signaling traffic and costs for network operators.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that modifies the contents of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) to prevent it from responding to requests from the modem or processing unit, using a counter system and over-the-air messages to control connection attempts, ensuring the device does not attempt to reconnect when not permitted, thereby reducing traffic and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the modem autonomously attempts to reconnect to the mobile network frequently, then the device can quickly reconnect when the network becomes available, but unnecessary signaling traffic increases and costs increase for network operators
Solution Approach 1:
The SIM card acts as an intermediary between the modem and the mobile network. It monitors connection status and controls whether the modem can attempt reconnection, filtering out unauthorized connection attempts before they reach the network. This mediator role allows the system to maintain fast reconnection for authorized devices while blocking unnecessary signaling from unauthorized ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The SIM card implements a feedback mechanism by monitoring whether the device is authorized to connect and adjusting its behavior accordingly. When authorization is lost, the SIM provides feedback to prevent further connection attempts, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing authorization status and prevents wasteful signaling traffic.
2Productivity
If the SIM continues to provide communication data to the modem, then the device can maintain connection attempts, but this causes increased traffic and costs when the device is not permitted to communicate
Solution Approach 1:
The SIM card performs preliminary authorization checking before providing communication data to the modem. It proactively determines whether the device is permitted to connect and prevents the modem from generating connection requests in the first place, rather than allowing attempts and then blocking them. This preliminary action eliminates wasteful signaling traffic before it occurs.
3Reliability
If the modem makes frequent reconnection requests, then disconnected devices can reconnect quickly, but devices with expired subscriptions continue to generate unnecessary traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The SIM card serves as a mediator that verifies authorization status before allowing connection requests. It blocks harmful signaling traffic from unauthorized devices at the source while permitting reliable reconnection attempts from authorized devices, thus filtering out harmful factors while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The SIM card applies preliminary anti-action by preventing unauthorized connection attempts before they can generate harmful signaling traffic. It proactively blocks devices with expired subscriptions from making reconnection requests, countering the potential harm before it occurs rather than reacting to it afterward.
Data Source
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AI summary
An approach for preventing electronic devices from repeatedly attempting to register or connect to a mobile network when they are not permitted to communicate using the mobile network. Embodiments determine whether the electronic device and/or associated SIM is permitted to communicate using the mobile network. In response to determining that the electronic device and/or SIM is not permitted to communicate using the mobile network, the contents of the SIM are modified to prevent the SIM from providing, to other components of the electronic device, communication data used to make a connection or authentication request to the mobile network.