Smart Contract Remote Device Provisioning via Blockchain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network specifications require a pre-existing subscription with a network operator for remote provisioning of devices, involving lengthy negotiation processes that can be cumbersome for device owners.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a smart contract in a blockchain network to facilitate automated subscription creation and remote provisioning of devices, enabling an auction-like environment for multiple operators to offer subscriptions directly to device owners, and allowing seamless transition between operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wireless network specifications are used for remote provisioning, then devices can be provisioned OTA, but the process requires pre-existing subscription and lengthy negotiation between device owner and network operators
Solution Approach 1:
The smart contract system enables automated self-service provisioning where multiple network operators automatically submit subscription offers and the device owner selects from these offers without manual negotiation. The blockchain network automatically manages the provisioning workflow, eliminating the need for time-consuming back-and-forth negotiations between device owners and network operators while maintaining secure subscription management.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple network operators prepare and submit subscription offers in advance through the blockchain network before the device owner makes a selection. This preliminary action allows all available options to be presented to the device owner simultaneously, eliminating the sequential negotiation process and enabling faster provisioning decisions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network operators are involved in subscription negotiation, then device owners can find the best subscription, but the process becomes lengthy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The blockchain network with smart contracts serves as an intermediary layer between multiple network operators and device owners. This intermediary automatically manages the complex interactions, offer comparisons, and selection processes, presenting simplified subscription options to device owners while handling the complexity of multiple operator negotiations in the background through automated smart contract execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart contract system provides a universal platform that handles multiple functions: receiving offers from any network operator, presenting options to device owners, managing selections, and coordinating provisioning across different operators. This multi-functional system consolidates the complex multi-operator process into a single unified interface that maintains adaptability while reducing perceived complexity for users.
3Reliability
If traditional provisioning methods are used, then devices can be provisioned with operational profiles, but the process requires manual intervention and multiple communication steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (human negotiation, manual profile transfer) with automated blockchain smart contract execution. The smart contracts automatically manage the entire provisioning workflow including offer submission, selection, and profile delivery, maintaining cryptographic security while dramatically improving efficiency by eliminating manual intervention steps and enabling parallel processing of multiple operator interactions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for provisioning a remote unit via a smart contract in a blockchain network. One apparatus (300) includes a processor (305) and a transceiver (325), wherein the processor (305) controls the transceiver (325) to emit (905) a first event in response to receiving a first blockchain message from a first blockchain address and collect (910) a plurality of second blockchain messages. Here, the first event including information about a remote unit (105) and each second blockchain message containing a subscription offer for the remote unit. The transceiver (325) emits (915) a second event in response to receiving a third blockchain message from the first blockchain address. Here, the third blockchain message including user selection of one of the collected subscription offers. The transceiver (325) receives (920) a fourth blockchain message containing provisioning data for the remote unit (105) and emits (925) a third event after successfully validating the fourth blockchain message. Here, the third event comprising the provisioning data for the remote unit.