Universal GUTI for M2M Device Onboarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies face challenges in efficiently onboarding large numbers of machine-to-machine (M2M) devices to wireless networks without user subscriptions, particularly for devices with minimal or no user interface, as they require complex initialization processes involving ICCID and IMEI values, which are difficult to manage and activate.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a universal globally unique temporary identifier (UGUTI) allows M2M devices to access networks without subscriptions by using a pseudo-IMSI, enabling restricted access through a dedicated APN, eliminating the need for user interaction and minimizing reliance on traditional IMSI and ICCID/IMEI values, thus simplifying the onboarding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional onboarding processes using ICCID and IMEI values are used for M2M devices, then network access can be established, but the complexity of initialization increases and user interaction becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the ICCID value from the M2M device initialization process, replacing it with a simplified onboarding method that uses only the IMEI value. This extraction eliminates the complexity associated with ICCID management while maintaining network access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables M2M devices to perform self-onboarding to the wireless network using automated processes. The device autonomously provides its IMEI value to the network, which then automatically provisions the device without requiring user intervention or manual ICCID configuration.
2Reliability
If M2M devices require user interface for activation, then proper identification can be ensured, but the ease of deployment decreases for devices without user interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables M2M devices to autonomously identify and register themselves with the wireless network using their IMEI value. The device automatically transmits its identifier during the attach procedure, and the network system automatically processes the registration without requiring any user interface interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary onboarding process that mediates between the M2M device and the network. This intermediary system receives the device's IMEI value, performs necessary provisioning, and establishes network access automatically, eliminating the need for direct user interface interaction while ensuring proper device identification.
3Reliability
If traditional IMSI and ICCID/IMEI values are used for network access, then network security can be maintained, but the number of required credentials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the ICCID credential from the traditional network access process. Instead of requiring both IMSI and ICCID, the system now uses only the IMEI value for device identification and network access, simplifying the credential set while maintaining security through the automated onboarding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the IMEI value serve multiple functions: it acts as both the device identifier and the primary credential for network access. This universal use of the IMEI eliminates the need for separate ICCID and IMSI management, reducing the number of credentials required while maintaining network security through the standardized attach procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining, by a user equipment (UE) device, whether subscriber identification profile (SIDP) is stored within the UE device; sending, from the UE device, an attach request along with a universal globally unique temporary identifier (UGUTI) to a mobility management entity (MME) within a network, upon determining that the subscriber identification profile is not stored in the UE device; receiving, at the UE device, an authorization to attach to the network in response to the attach request; and accessing, by the UE device, the network in accordance with a pre-provisioned profile associated with the UGUTI, where the pre-provisioned profile limits access to the network.