Telecom Security Module Personalization via Server Commands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security modules in telecommunications terminals require pre-personalization with network operator-specific data during production, limiting cost-effective uniform production and flexibility in switching between network operators.

Innovation Solution

A method for personalizing security modules within telecommunications terminals by receiving a command sequence from a server, processing and transmitting commands to the module, and establishing a connection with a trust center to transmit network operator-specific data, allowing for uniform module production and easy network operator changes without prior knowledge of the operator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If security modules are pre-personalized with network operator-specific data during production, then the personalization process is simplified and completed before installation, but uniform production of identical security modules becomes impossible and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalization processVSAvoiduniform production
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing the personalization process after installation rather than before. The security module is produced in a uniform state without operator-specific data, and the personalization is completed in-situ through automated connection to the trust center, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The security module automatically connects to the trust center and receives its own operator-specific data without manual intervention. The module self-personalizes by establishing a connection, receiving commands, and obtaining the necessary authentication data, thereby eliminating the need for pre-personalization and enabling uniform production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If different security modules are produced for different network operators, then each module is optimized for its specific operator, but production complexity and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator-specific optimizationVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by producing a single type of security module that can serve any network operator. The module is designed to be universally compatible and automatically configures itself for the specific operator through automated connection to the trust center, thereby eliminating production complexity while maintaining operator-specific optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The security module's parameters (authentication data, keys, identifiers) are dynamically changed after production based on the target operator. Instead of manufacturing different hardware for each operator, the module's software parameters are automatically configured through automated connection and data reception, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If security modules are produced without network operator-specific data, then uniform production is enabled and flexibility for operator changes is improved, but the module requires automated personalization processes after installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator flexibilityVSAvoidpersonalization automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The security module automatically performs the personalization process by autonomously connecting to the trust center, receiving commands, and obtaining operator-specific data without manual intervention. This self-service approach enables uniform production and operator flexibility while the automation requirement is naturally fulfilled by the module's autonomous behavior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The personalization process uses feedback mechanisms where the module's connection status and data reception are automatically monitored and confirmed. The trust center receives feedback from the module about its readiness, and the module adjusts its state based on received commands, ensuring automated personalization without compromising adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2779722B1Method for personalisation of a security module of a telecommunication end device
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT EPAYMENTS GMBH
  • EP2779722B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2779722B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2779722B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for personalizing a security module (300) in a telecommunications terminal (200) with network operator-specific data by a server. The following steps take place in the telecommunications terminal. A command sequence for the security module (300) is received by a server (600). The command sequence is processed by the telecommunications terminal (200) extracting individual commands from the sequence, transmitting the commands to the security module (300), and receiving the command responses from the security module (300). The final command response from the security module (300) is transmitted to the server (600).