Simulated Subscriber Identity Module for Telecommunications Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunications networks face challenges in easily and flexibly adding additional functionality, particularly due to the requirement for separate physical SIM cards and potential congestion in the radio network, as well as legal restrictions on SIM banks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that route telecommunications messages to a simulated subscriber identity module within a server system, allowing for flexible actions such as message re-routing and providing an API for third-party access, thereby simulating key network functions without physical hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate physical SIM cards are used for each subscriber identity, then subscriber identity management is achieved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simulated subscriber identity module that replicates the functionality of a physical SIM card in software form. The simulated SIM stores and manages subscriber identity information (IMSI, authentication keys) without requiring physical hardware, thereby maintaining reliable subscriber identity management while eliminating the need for separate physical SIM cards for each identity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical SIM card system with a software-based simulated SIM module. Instead of using physical hardware (plastic card with chip), the system uses virtualized software components running on a server, substituting the mechanical system with an information-processing system that achieves the same functional goals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If telecommunications messages are routed through the radio network to a SIM Gateway apparatus, then call routing functionality is achieved, but network congestion occurs at local cellular towers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SIM gateway functionality from the radio access network and relocates it to a core network server. By taking out the message routing function from the congested radio network path and placing it in the core network, the system maintains call routing versatility while eliminating the harmful congestion at local cellular towers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simulated subscriber identity module as an intermediary component within the core network that mediates between incoming telecommunications messages and the final routing destination. This intermediary handles message routing logic centrally, preventing the need for messages to traverse the radio network to a physical SIM gateway apparatus.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SIM banks are deployed to provide additional functionality, then service capabilities are enhanced, but legal restrictions are violated in many countries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal simulated SIM module that can serve multiple subscriber identities and provide various service capabilities through software configuration rather than physical SIM bank hardware. This multi-functional software approach enables enhanced service capabilities (call forwarding, voicemail, number portability) without requiring physical SIM banks that would violate legal restrictions in many jurisdictions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for routing communications within a telecommunications network. The method includes, within a server system, routing a telecommunications message for a telephony subscriber identity to a simulated subscriber identity module and performing an action in relation to the telecommunications message at the simulated subscriber identity module. A server system is also disclosed.