Virtual SIM Authentication for Vehicle Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing connectivity to vehicles face challenges such as low bandwidth, incomplete geographic coverage, and high costs due to the need for multiple Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) and associated equipment, especially when crossing country boundaries or operating in different geographic areas.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves establishing connections with multiple networks using a device aboard the vehicle to authenticate and allocate the most appropriate authentication devices based on geographical location and signal strength, allowing efficient use of a plurality of authentication devices without carrying them physically, and switching between local and remote authentication devices to manage data usage effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple SIMs and associated equipment are carried aboard the vehicle to ensure connectivity across different geographic areas, then connectivity reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual SIM cards that are software-based copies of authentication credentials, eliminating the need for multiple physical SIM cards. The virtual SIMs are stored and managed in a database on the vehicle, allowing the system to authenticate with multiple network operators without carrying multiple physical authentication devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple network authentication capabilities into a single integrated system. The vehicle's communication control unit manages multiple virtual SIMs and can switch between different network operators seamlessly, merging what would otherwise require separate physical SIM slots and equipment into one unified authentication management system.
2Reliability
If multiple SIMs and associated equipment are carried aboard the vehicle to ensure connectivity across different geographic areas, then connectivity reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual SIM cards that are software-based copies of authentication credentials, eliminating the need for multiple physical SIM cards. The virtual SIMs are stored and managed in a database on the vehicle, allowing the system to authenticate with multiple network operators without carrying multiple physical authentication devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically switches between different virtual SIMs based on geographic location and network availability. When a SIM's data allowance is exhausted or when traveling to a new geographic area, the system discards the current SIM and recovers by activating a different virtual SIM from the database, ensuring continuous connectivity without manual intervention.
3Device complexity
If a single SIM is used for network authentication, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different geographic areas and network operators deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic SIM selection system that automatically chooses the appropriate virtual SIM based on the vehicle's current geographic location, available network operators, and data usage status. The system can switch between different authentication devices in real-time, providing adaptability to various geographic areas and network operators while maintaining a single physical authentication interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's communication control unit is designed with universal functionality to support multiple network operators and authentication methods. The single communication control unit can manage multiple virtual SIMs and authenticate with different network operators across various geographic areas, making the system universally compatible without requiring multiple specialized devices.
4Quantity of substance
If maximum data usage limits are imposed on SIMs, then network operator costs are controlled, but connectivity reliability deteriorates when limits are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically switches between different virtual SIMs based on data usage status. When one SIM reaches its maximum data allowance, the system discards that SIM and recovers by activating another virtual SIM with available data, ensuring continuous connectivity without manual intervention. This allows the fleet operator to control individual SIM data usage while maintaining overall connectivity reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a method of providing connectivity to a vehicle. The method comprises, at a first device aboard the vehicle, establishing at least one first connection with at least one first network, the at least one first connection allowing communication with a second device remote from the first device, transmitting via the at least one first connection an allocation request to the second device, receiving via the at least one first connection an allocation response from the second device, the allocation response indicating a first authentication device from a plurality of authentication devices remote from the first device, and establishing a second connection with a network and authenticating the first device on the network using the first authentication device.