SIM Identifier Feedback for Air Interface Resource Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for updating mobile terminal configurations in mobile radio networks often unnecessarily burden air interface resources by attempting to update SIM cards that do not require updates, leading to inefficiencies and user dissatisfaction, especially in cases of identical SIM sets where updates cannot be distinguished or managed effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method that provides a unique identifier for mobile subscriber identification modules, allowing detection of update needs and enabling differentiation between identical modules, thereby optimizing updates and reducing resource usage by only updating necessary SIM cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If update attempts are made for all SIM cards regardless of actual update need, then network coverage and service availability are improved, but air interface resources are unnecessarily burdened
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the network first queries the SIM card's current configuration status via the air interface before initiating an update. The SIM card responds with its current state information, allowing the network to determine whether an update is actually needed. This feedback loop prevents unnecessary update attempts and conserves air interface resources while ensuring updates are performed when necessary to maintain service availability.
2Ease of manufacture
If identical SIM cards are treated as indistinguishable, then manufacturing and management are simplified, but individualization and targeted updates become impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces unique identifiers (such as IMEI, MSISDN, or other device-specific attributes) that are locally assigned to each SIM card or associated device. These identifiers enable the network to distinguish between otherwise identical SIM cards and track their individual update statuses. The unique identifiers are stored in the network's database and used to personalize update communications, allowing targeted updates for specific devices while maintaining the simplicity of SIM card manufacturing.
3Measurement precision
If manual update processes are used, then user control and precision are improved, but update speed and automation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic update detection and execution where the network autonomously determines whether a SIM card needs an update based on queried configuration status. The network automatically initiates update procedures, transmits update information, and verifies completion without requiring manual user intervention. This self-service approach maintains high update accuracy by using structured status queries and validation mechanisms while dramatically improving update speed and productivity through automation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves recording an identifier of a subscriber identification module (SIM) card. A message with the identifier is sent to a network node of a mobile radio telephone network. A response message produced based on receipt of the message is received from the network node, where the response message includes updating requirements with respect to utilization of available services and/or functionalities of the network by a subscriber and/or a mobile terminal in the network. Updating information is extracted from the response message and is stored in the SIM card. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a mobile terminal comprising a detection unit (2) a subscriber identification module comprising a storage unit (3) a mobile radio telephone network comprising a cellular radio structure.