Virtual SIM Access via USSD Signaling to Cut Roaming Costs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile service access technologies face high roaming costs due to the reliance on data services for management channels when using virtual SIM cards across borders.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves using a first terminal to receive a SIM card application protocol data unit (APDU) request from a second terminal carrying a virtual SIM card, obtaining a target APDU from a cloud SIM server through Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), and forwarding this APDU to the second terminal for mobile service access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data services are used for management channel to transmit SIM card information between cloud and terminal, then virtual SIM card function is achieved, but traffic cost increases significantly when roaming across borders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) as an intermediary communication channel between the terminal and cloud server. USSD serves as a specialized signaling channel that enables SIM card information transmission without consuming data service traffic, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving virtual SIM card functionality and controlling traffic costs during roaming.
2Loss of energy
If physical RF channel is used for management channel, then roaming cost is reduced, but system complexity increases due to need for cloud-terminal coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing USSD channel, which is universally available in mobile networks for signaling purposes. By making the management channel utilize this pre-existing universal signaling infrastructure rather than creating a dedicated new channel, the system achieves cost reduction while avoiding excessive complexity increases.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two independent traffic channels are established between cloud and terminal, then complete virtual SIM card function is achieved, but management channel traffic cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the management channel function from the data service traffic by utilizing USSD signaling channel. This separation allows SIM card information transmission to occur independently of data service consumption, enabling virtual SIM card functionality without proportionally increasing data traffic volume.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides mobile service access method and device, system, storage medium, and electronic device, wherein the method comprises: receiving a SIM card application protocol data unit (APDU) request transmitted by a second terminal, wherein the second terminal carries a virtual SIM card; obtaining a target APDU corresponding to the SIM card APDU request from a cloud SIM server through an unstructured supplementary data service (USSD); and forwarding the target APDU to the second terminal, wherein the target APDU is used for the second terminal to access the mobile service. The present invention solves the technical problem in the related art that a management channel of a virtual SIM card can only be based on a data service, and saves roaming costs incurred by using a virtual SIM card in a roaming region without affecting the user experience.