eSIM
• eSIM Introduction
SIM (subscriber identity module) card as a part of the mobile communication network authentication module on the terminal side, which is used to determine the identity of users in the network. In recent years, with the rapid
development of communication technology and economic globalization, the industry devices have more new demands for SIM card, eSIM technology coming. eSIM not only has the characteristics of embedded, downloadable
and smaller size, but also provides a more flexible business mode for all parties in the industry chain.
Now the SIM may be securely downloaded into a ‘Secure Element’ that can be permanently embedded inside any type of device. To enable this change, an ecosystem of trusted platforms and players has been facilitated by the GSMA
to create the eSIM solution. It offers an equivalent level of security and protection to that provided by the removable SIM card.
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Scope of eSIM solution
devices, Internet of vehicles, industrial Internet, smart home, finance, transportation, smart city and other fields, providing identity authentication and connection services for various terminal devices with network demands. eSIM
solution includes mobile number download, subscriber registration, service activation, data package customization and other mobile number services, ensure the access of terminal equipment, and provide mobile number management ability.
GSMA defines two sets of specifications for IoT applications, which are respectively applied to Internet of things terminal (M2M) and consumer electronics (RSP). RSP (remote SIM provisioning) is defined for the use of
EagleFly eSIM SM-DP+(RSP) Solution Proposal eUICC in consumer electronic products, such as wearable devices, mobile phones, PAD and other devices. Consumer electronic products are operatedby users, and most of them have interaction interface.
Profile enabling, disabling, deleting and other management operations on eUICC are operated on the device. In contrast, M2M devices usually haven't interaction interface, and most of the time they are in automatic working state. Profile management
is completed by remote operation of background RSP server. The solution is organized around 4 elements: the SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager - Data Preparation +), the SM-DS (Subscription Manager - Discovery
Server), the LPA (Local Profile Assistant) and the eUICC.
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eSIM RSP solution
With Remote SIM Provisioning, there are no traditional SIM card. Instead there is an embedded SIM (eUICC), which may be soldered inside the mobile device, that can accommodate multiple SIM Profiles – each Profile comprising of the
operator and subscriber data that would have otherwise been stored on a traditional SIM card. An example is illustrated in the following figure.
The end user sets up a contract with their chosen mobile network operator, and in the case of a Consumer solution, instead of receiving a SIM card they will receive instructions on how to connect their device to the Remote SIM
Provisioning system. In this example a QR (Quick Response) code is used. The QR code contains the address of the Remote SIM Provisioning system, which allows the device to connect to that system and securely download a
Once the Profile is installed and activated, the device is able to connect to that operator's network. It should be noted that the use of QR codes is one way that the eSIM solution can be configured within a device, alternatives include pre-configured devices,
use of Subscription Manager - Discovery Server and companion devices.
Should the end user wish to change operator, they can set up a contract with the new operator, and in turn receive a QR code from that operator. The device can scan the code to locate and download the new Profile.
The end user is now able to switch between the two Profiles, to connect their device to whichever operator's network the end user selects 2.