SIM OTA Updating via Host Agent Without BIP Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Many mobile IoT devices lack support for HTTP Over-The-Air (OTA) updates due to the high cost and effort required for implementing Bearer Independent Protocol (BIP) in communication modules, while SIM vendors rapidly adopt HTTP OTA support, leaving legacy communication modules without secure IP network connectivity for SIM updates.

Innovation Solution

A software agent on the host device securely channels OTA commands to the SIM card by deriving a shared key using the SIM identifier, initiating authentication, and encrypting communication with a SIM update server to facilitate HTTP OTA updates without requiring BIP support in the communication module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If HTTP OTA support is implemented through BIP in communication modules, then SIM update capability is improved, but device complexity and development cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSIM update capabilityVSAvoidcommunication module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a software agent as an intermediary component that runs on the host device to enable HTTP OTA updates. This agent acts as a mediator between the SIM card and the update server, providing BIP-like functionality without requiring native BIP support in the communication module. The agent handles authentication, encryption, and command routing, thereby enabling SIM updates in legacy modules while avoiding the complexity of implementing full BIP support in the communication hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If BIP support is implemented in communication modules, then HTTP OTA functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHTTP OTA functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a software-based copy of the BIP protocol functionality through the agent application. Instead of implementing BIP natively in the communication module (which would require hardware/firmware changes), the agent replicates BIP's authentication and communication mechanisms in software on the host device. This software copy provides the same HTTP OTA functionality without the manufacturing cost of modifying communication modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of manufacture

If legacy communication modules are used without BIP support, then device cost is reduced, but SIM update capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice costVSAvoidSIM update capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The software agent serves as a bridge that enables legacy communication modules to perform SIM updates without requiring native BIP support. The agent implements the necessary protocol handling, authentication, and encryption functions in software, allowing inexpensive legacy modules to achieve SIM update capability that would otherwise require costly BIP-enabled hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12615513B2Updating a subscriber identity module

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 SORACOM INC

AI summary

A method performed by a server, the method comprising transmitting a value to an authentication entity; receiving a first message from the authentication entity wherein the first message is generated using the value; deriving a pre-shared key using the first message; transmitting the value to a device over a network; encrypting a second message using the pre-shared key; and transmitting the encrypted second message over the network to the device