Virtual SIM Card Provisioning for Smart Device Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for smart devices to access the Internet, either through built-in WIFI chips or physical SIM cards, face limitations such as resource waste and high production costs due to temporary Internet demands and the rarity of SIM card resources, especially for outdoor mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that upload detected operator network information to a server to receive a local virtual SIM card, allowing dynamic access to operator networks without the need for a physical SIM card, utilizing built-in virtual SIM cards to establish remote connections and access operator networks via WIFI or direct connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical SIM cards are used for Internet access, then network connectivity is ensured, but production costs increase and resource waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual SIM cards as digital copies of physical SIM cards. The virtual SIM card includes all necessary identification and authentication information (ICCID, IMSI, AUTH KEY) but exists in software form rather than physical form. This copying approach eliminates the need for physical card production, distribution, and management infrastructure while maintaining full network access functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical SIM card system with a software-based virtual SIM card system. Instead of physical insertion and extraction of SIM cards, the system uses digital provisioning and configuration. The virtual SIM card is delivered and activated through software processes, eliminating mechanical components entirely.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical SIM cards are distributed to all devices, then Internet access capability is provided, but resource waste occurs due to temporary demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic virtual SIM card provisioning system where virtual SIM cards are created, activated, and deactivated based on real-time device needs and network conditions. The system can dynamically allocate virtual SIM resources to different devices and revoke them when no longer needed, providing adaptability without permanent resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery and recycling of virtual SIM card resources. When a device no longer needs Internet access or the virtual SIM card expires, the resources are automatically deactivated and returned to the pool of available virtual SIM cards for reuse. This eliminates the permanent resource consumption associated with physical SIM card distribution.
3Ease of operation
If built-in WIFI chip is used for Internet access, then flexibility is improved, but operator network access capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal access system where the virtual SIM card can operate across multiple network types and access methods. The virtual SIM card enables both operator network access (2G/3G/4G/5G mobile networks) and can work in conjunction with WIFI connections, providing multi-functionality that combines the advantages of both physical SIM cards and WIFI chips.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for accessing an operator network. The method includes: uploading (101) detected information regarding an operator network to a server end; receiving (102) a local virtual SIM card which is sent from the server end and is corresponding to the operator network; and accessing (103) the operator network based on the local virtual SIM card. In the present disclosure, virtual SIM card resources can be dynamically requested from the server end without need of building a physical SIM card in a device.