UICC APN Elementary File Dynamic Configuration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for managing Access Point Name (APN) information on Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards are inefficient, particularly in dynamically updating APN configurations to match changing service requirements and device types, leading to compatibility issues and suboptimal network performance.

Innovation Solution

The system detects and utilizes user-controlled mobile equipment APN elementary files (EF_UMEAPN) stored on Universal Integrated Circuit Cards (UICC) to configure devices with appropriate APN settings, allowing for dynamic updates and selection of APNs that match specific service types, thereby ensuring optimal network connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional APN management systems are used, then device compatibility is maintained, but network performance and adaptability to changing service requirements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to service requirementsVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic APN configuration by storing multiple APN profiles in the UICC and enabling runtime selection based on service requirements. The system transitions from static, pre-configured APN settings to a dynamic framework where APN parameters can be changed without physical SIM replacement, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes APN parameters dynamically by reading service type information and selecting appropriate APN profiles from the UICC. This allows the network configuration parameters to be adjusted based on service requirements while maintaining reliable connections through proven APN profiles, addressing both adaptability and network performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If static APN configurations are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but compatibility with different device types and service requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with device typesVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service configuration by automatically detecting service types and selecting appropriate APN profiles from the UICC without requiring manual user configuration. The device autonomously manages APN settings based on service requirements, achieving broad compatibility while maintaining simplicity for end users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple APN profiles are pre-configured and stored in the UICC during manufacturing or provisioning. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex runtime configuration decisions, as the system simply needs to select from pre-validatated profiles based on service type detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If manual APN configuration updates are used, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but provisioning efficiency and update speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprovisioning efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the device detects service type information and automatically selects APN profiles that match the detected service requirements. This closed-loop approach ensures configuration accuracy is maintained while eliminating manual intervention, thereby improving provisioning efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual configuration mechanisms with automated electronic detection and selection processes. Service type information is detected electronically and used to automatically select appropriate APN profiles from the UICC, substituting manual configuration operations with automated system operations that maintain accuracy while improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11381957B2Systems, devices and methods for managing access point name information by operators and users on the SIM

Publication Date: 2022.07.05 AT&T MOBILITY II LLC

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, embodiments that include accessing a group of user controlled mobile equipment access point names in response to the device detecting a user controlled mobile equipment access point name elementary file (EF_UMEAPN) stored in a memory of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC). An operator stores access point name information and the access point name information comprises the EF_UMEAPN. Further embodiments include configuring the device according to the group of user controlled mobile equipment access point names. Other embodiments are disclosed.