SIM Profile Connection Settings for IoT Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for connecting mobile devices to packet networks are inefficient, requiring manual configuration, leading to increased latency, battery consumption, and security vulnerabilities, and result in unnecessary OS updates that burden network resources, especially for IoT devices.
Innovation Solution
Storing connection settings in a subscriber identity module (SIM) card allows for pre-loaded configurations that enable devices to connect automatically and be updated in real-time, optimizing gateway selection and reducing latency and resource costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If connection settings are distributed via OS updates, then connection settings can be updated, but it increases the number of OS updates devices must apply, consuming significant network bandwidth and storage resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts connection settings from the OS update process and stores them separately in the SIM card's EF-DATA file. This allows connection settings to be updated independently without requiring full OS updates, thereby reducing network bandwidth and storage resource consumption while maintaining the capability to update connection settings.
2Reliability
If operators wait for OS vendor updates to change gateway settings, then device connectivity is maintained, but connection latency increases and devices operate less efficiently for weeks or months
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading multiple connection settings (including backup and low-latency gateway settings) into the SIM card's EF-DATA file before they are needed. When a low-latency gateway becomes available, the device can immediately switch to it by selecting the pre-configured connection setting, eliminating the weeks or months of delay associated with waiting for OS updates.
3Ease of operation
If manual entry is used to change connection settings, then users can access low-latency gateways, but user input is error prone and creates security vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the device to automatically select and switch between connection settings stored in the SIM card's EF-DATA file based on pre-configured criteria such as latency requirements. This eliminates the need for manual user input, thereby removing security vulnerabilities and errors associated with manual entry while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making.
4Productivity
If connection settings are stored in SIM card, then operators can quickly update settings via over the air updates, but requires SIM card storage capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing EF-DATA file in the SIM card, which was originally designed for general data storage, and repurposes it to store connection settings. This approach requires no additional hardware or specialized storage infrastructure, as the SIM card's existing data storage capability is utilized for dual purposes: traditional SIM functions and connection settings management, thereby achieving quick updates without increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Connection settings used by a mobile device to connect to a packet data network, e.g. the internet, are stored in a subscriber identity module (SIM) card. This enables connection settings to be pre-loaded on a SIM card, allowing a mobile device to immediately connect to the internet without manual configuration. The mobile device's connection settings may also be updated by a mobile network operator via an over the air profile update. For example, the operator may supply a device with connection settings the first time it connects to the network. Connection settings may be stored in one or more files within the SIM profile, and may be updated via a remote file management operation. Embedded-SIM (eSIM) profiles may also store connection settings in profile metadata, which may be updated via a metadata update operation.