Virtual Authentication Module for Physical SIM Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production and physical delivery of SIM cards for device authentication pose significant environmental and logistical burdens due to the need for manual or semi-automatic provisioning and the generation of waste, which existing solutions, such as electronic or virtual SIMs, do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for providing a virtual or software-based Authentication Module (AM) that uses a network node to compute and store authentication parameters using a device's identifier, authentication data, and encryption parameter, enabling secure authentication without the need for physical SIMs, and allowing for updates and authentication processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical SIM cards are produced and delivered to devices, then authentication capability is provided, but environmental burden and logistical complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical SIM cards with virtual authentication modules that are software-based copies of the authentication functionality. Instead of producing and delivering physical plastic cards, the system generates and installs virtual authentication credentials digitally, eliminating the need for physical manufacturing and distribution while maintaining authentication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/physical SIM card system with an electronic/software-based authentication system. The physical insertion and extraction of SIM cards is replaced by digital provisioning and management of authentication credentials through software interfaces and network communication.
2Reliability
If physical SIM cards are manually or semi-automatically provisioned, then authentication is enabled, but labor costs and provisioning time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables automated self-provisioning of authentication modules where the system can automatically generate, distribute, and configure virtual authentication credentials without requiring manual human intervention. The devices can autonomously receive and install authentication modules through digital channels, eliminating the need for labor-intensive manual provisioning processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows authentication modules to be pre-generated and prepared in advance, then automatically distributed and installed on devices before they are needed for authentication. This preliminary preparation and digital pre-provisioning eliminates the need for on-demand manual provisioning, significantly reducing provisioning time and labor requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If physical SIM cards are produced in large quantities, then authentication coverage increases, but waste generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies of authentication credentials that can be replicated infinitely without consuming additional physical materials. Each virtual authentication module is a software-based copy that can be generated and distributed electronically, allowing unlimited authentication coverage to be provided without producing any physical waste from manufacturing and disposing of plastic SIM cards.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method, for providing an Authentication Module (AM) to a device. The method comprises computing an authentication parameter to be stored in the AM, using an identifier (ID) associated with the device, authentication data associated with the device and an encryption parameter associated with the device. The method also comprises providing the AM to the device. The invention also relates to a method, for updating an AM and to a method to authenticate a device using an AM. The invention further relates to a device and network node executing the methods.