SIM Enterprise Identifier Provisioning Without Baseband Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for provisioning enterprise identifiers in user equipment (UE) require baseband interactions, which are cumbersome and not easily adaptable to both 4G LTE and 5G NR networks, and lack efficient mechanisms for secure and easy provisioning of enterprise credentials.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a vendor-specific extension format and protocol, as defined by GSMA specifications, to store enterprise identifiers within the SIM, allowing the high-level operating system of the UE to obtain and reuse these identifiers without impacting the baseband implementation, and supporting both 4G LTE and 5G NR networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If CSG-ID is used as enterprise identifier in LTE networks, then enterprise credential identification is enabled, but baseband interactions are required which complicates provisioning and reduces adaptability to different network generations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the enterprise identifier storage by creating a dedicated field within the SIM card's file structure, separating it from the baseband processing layer. This allows the identifier to be stored at the application layer (SIM card) rather than requiring baseband interactions, thus reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability across different network generations.
Solution Approach 2:
The SIM card acts as an intermediary between the enterprise network and the UE's baseband processor. By storing the enterprise identifier in a standardized field within the SIM card, the system eliminates the need for direct baseband interactions to retrieve this information, simplifying the provisioning process and enabling seamless operation across 4G LTE and 5G NR networks.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional SIM provisioning methods are used, then enterprise credentials can be stored, but the provisioning process becomes cumbersome and difficult to adapt to both 4G and 5G networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal provisioning mechanism by defining a standardized enterprise identifier field in the SIM card structure that works across both 4G LTE and 5G NR networks. This single field can be provisioned once and reused across different network generations, eliminating the need for separate provisioning processes for each network type and significantly improving ease of manufacture and deployment.
3Reliability
If baseband interactions are required to obtain enterprise identifier, then credential authentication is enabled, but the process impacts baseband implementation and reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing the enterprise identifier in a dedicated field within the SIM card during the provisioning phase. This allows the identifier to be readily available when needed for authentication, eliminating the need for time-consuming baseband interactions during operation and significantly improving provisioning efficiency while maintaining authentication reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed in which a defined vendor specific extension is used to store an enterprise network identifier within a subscriber identity module (SIM). The use of the vendor specific extension makes it easier to provision a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) profile with an enterprise identifier. The vendor specific extension allows the high level operating system (HLOS) of a UE (User Equipment) to obtain an enterprise identifier without impacting the baseband implementation of the UE. The same enterprise identification can be reused in equipment of both 4th Generation Long Term Evolution (LTE) and 5th Generation New Radio (NR) networks.