Zero-Touch 5G Router Onboarding to Private Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current operator-centric eSIM management approaches are inadequate for private 5G network deployments, as they require public network connectivity and operator involvement, which is not feasible in environments without public networks, and do not allow device manufacturers to configure eSIM profiles for private networks.
Innovation Solution
A non-operator centric, zero-touch onboarding process for 5G routers, where devices are pre-configured with a default network profile and credentials, allowing them to discover and authenticate with a private 5G network, download new profiles from a Subscription Management-Data Preparation (SM-DP+) server, and onboard securely without public network access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If operator-centric eSIM management is used, then network connectivity and SIM management services are provided through MNO/MVNO, but device manufacturers cannot configure eSIM profiles for private networks and public network connectivity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with a default network profile containing placeholder values for network identifiers and credentials. This preliminary configuration enables the device to initially connect to a public network for authentication, after which the system automatically provisions the correct private network credentials through the SM-DP+ server, eliminating the need for manual configuration while enabling private network deployment flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The Subscription Management-Data Preparation (SM-DP+) server acts as an intermediary between the device and the private network operator. It receives authentication information from the device, provisions the appropriate eSIM profile with private network credentials, and delivers it back to the device. This intermediary mechanism enables manufacturer-independent configuration while maintaining secure operator-controlled provisioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If public network connectivity is required for eSIM management, then operator services can be utilized, but deployment in environments without public networks becomes infeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes a pre-configured default network profile with placeholder network identifiers and authentication credentials. This allows the device to immediately attempt connection upon power-on, establishing initial communication with the network without requiring pre-loaded private network credentials or public network dependency for the final private network connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The device autonomously performs network discovery, authentication, and profile provisioning without manual intervention. It automatically detects the available network, initiates authentication using its credentials, receives the appropriate eSIM profile from the SM-DP+ server, and configures itself for private network access. This self-service capability enables deployment in isolated environments without requiring public network infrastructure during the onboarding process.
3Ease of operation
If manufacturer ships router with MNO/MVNO SIM card, then operator services are available, but future SIM management services must go through the operator who shares SIM credentials
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with multi-network capability, supporting both public MNO/MVNO networks and private 5G networks. The eSIM architecture allows the same device to store and switch between different network profiles (public and private) without hardware changes. This universal design enables the device to serve multiple network types while maintaining ease of operation through automated profile management.
Solution Approach 2:
The network configuration is dynamic rather than static. The device can automatically switch between different network types (public and private) based on availability and requirements. The eSIM profile management system allows dynamic provisioning of new private network credentials while retaining the ability to use public network services, providing flexible adaptation without requiring manual SIM card changes or complex reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for on-boarding network devices onto a private 5G network. An example method can include discovering a first private 5G network upon the network device being turned on, authenticating, at the network device, the network device, downloading a second network profile from an SM-DP+ server of a second private 5G network, and on-boarding the network device to the second private 5G network.