Smart Card Module for Wireless Device Authentication and SDR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in updating wireless devices to handle new or different radio access technologies without replacing the device, and existing solutions require separate UICC or SIM cards for authentication and modem functions.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained Universal Subscriber Identity cellular Modem Module that integrates subscriber authentication and modem functionality, incorporating a processor, memory for user authentication, and software modem capabilities to support multiple radio access standards, eliminating the need for separate UICC or SIM cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate UICC or SIM cards are used for authentication and modem functions, then device security and network authentication are ensured, but device complexity increases and hardware reliance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the authentication functions (UICC/SIM card functionality) and modem functions into a single integrated module. This merging eliminates the need for separate physical cards while maintaining security through embedded authentication mechanisms within the unified module architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module is designed to perform multiple functions including authentication, encryption, and modem operations within a single device. This multi-functionality reduces hardware reliance while ensuring comprehensive security and network connectivity capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices are updated to handle new radio access technologies, then device versatility and adaptability improve, but hardware replacement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The module employs software-defined radio technology that allows dynamic reconfiguration of radio access technologies. This enables the device to adapt to new standards through software updates rather than hardware replacement, maintaining versatility while eliminating replacement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters through software programming to support different radio access technologies. By modifying software configurations rather than hardware components, the device achieves adaptability to new standards without requiring physical replacement.
3Reliability
If hardware components are used for authentication and modem functions, then system reliability is ensured, but hardware reliance increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/hardware-based authentication and modem systems with software-based implementations. This substitution maintains system reliability through robust software authentication protocols while enabling flexible adaptability through programmable modem functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses software programming to change operational parameters and configurations, allowing the same hardware to reliably perform different authentication and communication functions across multiple radio access technologies without physical modification.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a module for use in a wireless electronic device and being removable therefrom. In one embodiment, the module includes an antenna connector for connecting the antenna of the wireless terminal to the module, and transferring radio frequency signals over a wireless interface. The module also includes a first storage means storing user authentication information for use in authenticating a user of the wireless terminal to a wireless cellular network, and a second storage means storing communications code for processing information to be transferred over the wireless interface. The module further includes a processor arranged to execute the communications code in order to process information for communicating between the wireless terminal and the cellular network via the antenna connector.