Universal Unlock Microservice for 5G Carrier Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G user equipment is often locked to a single carrier or network, limiting its functionality and flexibility, and current unlocking methods are inefficient and lack standardization.
Innovation Solution
A universal unlock microservice system and method that remotely unlocks 5G user equipment by decomposing its serial number to determine the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and identifying the correct API for an over-the-air unlock request, allowing the device to function across multiple carriers or networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user equipment is locked to a single carrier or network, then network security and service control are improved, but device flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network locking where the locked state of user equipment is not fixed but can be changed through remote unlocking operations. The system allows the network to dynamically transition devices from locked to unlocked state based on service requirements, enabling both security control and flexibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of device accessibility by introducing a locked/unlocked state that can be modified. Through the unlocking microservice, the system alters the operational parameters of user equipment, allowing it to transition between restricted and full access states, thus resolving the contradiction between security and flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional unlocking methods are used, then device portability is improved, but operational efficiency and standardization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking microservice enables automated self-service unlocking where the system automatically identifies the correct API based on device serial number decomposition and executes unlocking without manual intervention. This automation dramatically improves efficiency compared to traditional manual unlocking processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical unlocking processes with an automated software-based microservice system. The system uses serial number decomposition and API routing to automatically perform unlocking operations, substituting manual procedures with automated digital processes for higher efficiency and standardization.
3Reliability
If hardware-based unlocking solutions are used, then reliability is improved, but deployment complexity and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely replaces hardware-based unlocking solutions with a software microservice approach. The unlocking function is implemented as a virtualized service that processes requests through serial number decomposition and API calls, eliminating the need for additional hardware components while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking microservice provides a universal solution that works across different device types and networks through standardized API interfaces. This multi-functional service handles various unlocking scenarios through a single unified system, reducing complexity compared to device-specific hardware solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed towards systems and methods for enabling a universal unlock microservice for user equipment. One such method includes: obtaining a serial number of the user equipment, decomposing the serial number of the user equipment, in response to decomposing the serial number, determining the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the user equipment, in response to determining the OEM, determining a correct Application Program Interface (API) to receive an unlock request for the user equipment, triggering an over the air (OTA) unlock request for the user equipment using a microservice, and sending a call to the correct API to unlock the user equipment.