Single SIM Multi-Network Connectivity via IMEI Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in allowing a terminal apparatus with a single SIM card to simultaneously connect to multiple base stations across different networks, as previous solutions require additional servers or non-seamless switching between SIM identities, failing to support simultaneous connections.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and user equipment (UE) that assigns unique International Mobile Equipment Identifiers (IMEI) for each communication interface, allowing the HSS to tie these to an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), enabling simultaneous connections to multiple visited mobile networks using a single SIM card.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single SIM card is used in the terminal apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the ability to simultaneously connect to multiple visited networks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SIM identification function by allowing the terminal to present different IMEI identifiers to different visited networks while using a single SIM card. This segmentation enables the terminal to be recognized as different devices by different networks, thereby achieving simultaneous connection capability without requiring multiple physical SIM cards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of device identity through the use of multiple IMEI identifiers. The terminal apparatus can present different IMEI copies to different visited networks, allowing each network to treat the terminal as a separate device, thus enabling simultaneous connections while using a single physical SIM card.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional Authentication and Authorization servers are deployed to enable simultaneous connectivity with a single SIM, then the simultaneous connection capability is improved, but the device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the terminal apparatus to self-manage its identity presentation to different networks by autonomously selecting and presenting appropriate IMEI identifiers. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external Authentication and Authorization servers to manage simultaneous connections, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the simultaneous connection feature.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SIM switching between home and visited IMSI is implemented, then the adaptability to different networks is improved, but the connection switching is not seamless and simultaneous connections are not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous connectivity by allowing the terminal to simultaneously maintain active connections with multiple visited networks using different IMEI identifiers. This eliminates the need to switch between SIM identities, ensuring uninterrupted service and seamless user experience while adapting to different network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention describes a method to enable simultaneous connections to multiple cellular networks while utilising only a single subscriber identity by assigning a unique mobile equipment identity to each radio connection and an apparatus to enable simultaneous connections to multiple cellular networks while utilising only a single subscriber identity by assigning a unique mobile equipment identity to each radio connection where the user equipment is able to manage the multiple International Mobile Equipment Identifiers assigned by the manufacturer of the mobile device by correctly identifying the connected interface and reporting the correct accompanying mobile equipment identifier.