SM-Proxy Platform for Secure eSIM Profile Inter-Operator Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for provisioning new Mobile Network Operator (MNO) subscriptions on eSIMs require agreements and connectivity between MNOs, which are difficult to establish due to security concerns, limiting the ability to switch MNO profiles without exposing SIM information to external entities.
Innovation Solution
A Subscription Manager (SM)-Proxy acts as an intermediary between the SM-DP of the target MNO and the SM-SR of the current MNO, enabling the creation, download, activation, and deactivation of profiles without direct connectivity, using encryption and authentication to secure data transfers and manage provisioning rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If direct connectivity between MNOs is established for eSIM profile provisioning, then profile switching capability is improved, but security risks increase due to exposure of SIM information to external entities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Proxy SM-DP+ platform that acts as an intermediary between the target MNO's SM-DP and the current MNO's SM-SR. This proxy receives provisioning requests from the target MNO, forwards them to the current MNO's SM-SR, and relays responses back, enabling profile switching without establishing direct connectivity between MNOs. The proxy thus mediates the interaction while maintaining security boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the provisioning system into distinct functional components: the target MNO's SM-DP, the proxy SM-DP+, and the current MNO's SM-SR. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently with defined interfaces, enabling the target MNO to provision profiles without direct access to the current MNO's internal systems, thereby maintaining security while achieving functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If agreements and connectivity between MNOs are established, then inter-operator provisioning is enabled, but system complexity increases due to difficult-to-establish agreements
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy SM-DP+ serves as a universal intermediary that simplifies inter-operator provisioning by handling all communication and agreement logic centrally. Instead of requiring bilateral agreements between every pair of MNOs, the proxy mediates all interactions, reducing system complexity while enabling broad inter-operator provisioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal proxy platform that can serve multiple target MNOs and interface with multiple current MNOs through a standardized interface. This multi-functional proxy eliminates the need for custom integration agreements between each MNO pair, reducing system complexity while enabling widespread inter-operator provisioning.
3Reliability
If GSMA Remote SIM Provisioning agreements are required, then profile provisioning is standardized, but ease of operation deteriorates due to agreement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the target MNO to autonomously provision profiles on eSIMs without requiring direct agreements with current MNOs. The target MNO's SM-DP communicates with the proxy, which handles all interactions with the current MNO's SM-SR. This self-service capability maintains GSMA standardization while dramatically simplifying operations by eliminating the need for the target MNO to negotiate and maintain multiple bilateral agreements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supporting the deployment of an embedded subscriber identification module (eSIM) provisioning management system on the ES3 interface between Subscription Manager Data Preparation (SM-DP) of a target mobile network operator (MNO) and Subscription Manager Secure Routing (SM-SR) of a current MNO. A SM-Proxy implements a SM-SR functionality on a first interface towards the SM-DP, and implements a SM-DP functionality on a second interface towards the SM-SR. A hosted SM-DP implements a RESTful API to receive SIM profile information from a provisioning server in the target MNO's network. An Agreement Management system controls a set of eSIM provisioning rules. A Service Portal enables the MNOs to manage their eSIM provisioning rules across their MNO partners.