UICC Local Profile Switching for IoT Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing GSMA standards for eSIM management in M2M/IoT devices are inadequate for seamless transitions between private and public wireless networks, particularly in scenarios where local switching is necessary due to limited range of private networks and the requirement for continuous connectivity, as they rely on remote operations that may not be feasible without an active network connection.
Innovation Solution
A non-transient computer-readable storage medium configured with a UICC that provides a list of available wireless network profiles to a communication device, allowing it to toggle between public and private networks locally by triggering fallback or switchback functions, enabling instantaneous switching without backend operations, and sending refresh commands for authentication with the appropriate network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If remote operations are used for eSIM profile switching as per GSMA standards, then security and centralized control are improved, but switching speed and connectivity continuity deteriorate because remote operations require active network connection and cannot perform local switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the eSIM management function into two parts: remote management (for profile download and activation) and local execution (for profile switching). The UICC stores locally executable fallback and switchback functions that can operate independently of remote servers, enabling fast local profile switching without requiring continuous network connection or backend operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares profile switching capabilities in advance by pre-loading multiple network profiles into the UICC and pre-configuring the fallback and switchback functions. When network conditions change, the device can immediately execute the pre-prepared local switching functions without waiting for remote provisioning, achieving fast transition between public and private networks.
2Speed
If local profile switching is enabled within eUICC, then switching speed and connectivity continuity are improved, but security control and centralized management deteriorate because local switching bypasses remote server authorization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the critical local switching functionality from the remote management system and embeds it within the UICC as intrinsic fallback and switchback functions. These functions are taken out of the remote control loop and placed directly in the card, allowing them to execute locally without requiring continuous backend authorization while still maintaining security through pre-provisioned profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The UICC is designed to perform self-service profile switching using internally stored fallback and switchback functions. The card can autonomously detect network conditions and execute profile transitions without external intervention, while the self-service mechanism is constrained by pre-loaded profiles that maintain security policies established during initial remote provisioning.
3Reliability
If eUICC waits for remote operations to switch profiles, then centralized security control is maintained, but connectivity continuity deteriorates because the device cannot switch profiles when network becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-loading multiple network profiles into the UICC and pre-configuring fallback and switchback functions before network disconnection occurs. When network becomes unavailable, the device has already prepared the necessary switching capabilities and can immediately execute local profile transitions without waiting for remote recovery, ensuring continuous connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing profile switching functions within the UICC before network issues arise. The fallback and switchback functions are pre-programmed and ready to execute locally, eliminating the need for real-time remote intervention and enabling autonomous profile switching that maintains connectivity continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal integrated circuit card (UICC) is configured to provide to a communication device a list indicating i) available profiles of a plurality of profiles that allow access by the communication device to respective wireless networks, and ii) a public network profile of the plurality of profiles that is currently enabled, where the available profiles include at least a private network profile designated with a fallback attribute. The UICC receives, from the communication device, a trigger indicating a network event, such as loss of connectivity. In response to the trigger, the UICC identifies the appropriate profile as the fallback/anchor profile; disables the currently enabled network profile; enables the newly identified network profile; and sends a refresh command to the communication device.