EP4035438A1 - Test method for verification of an rsp process and active test system providing such a test method - Google Patents

Test method for verification of an rsp process and active test system providing such a test method

Info

Publication number
EP4035438A1
EP4035438A1 EP20774909.4A EP20774909A EP4035438A1 EP 4035438 A1 EP4035438 A1 EP 4035438A1 EP 20774909 A EP20774909 A EP 20774909A EP 4035438 A1 EP4035438 A1 EP 4035438A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
esim
test
profile
rsp
test probe
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP20774909.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Shicheng Hu
Goce Talaganov
Vlad Bratu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sigos GmbH
Original Assignee
Sigos GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sigos GmbH filed Critical Sigos GmbH
Publication of EP4035438A1 publication Critical patent/EP4035438A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W24/00—Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
    • H04W24/06—Testing, supervising or monitoring using simulated traffic
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/12—Messaging; Mailboxes; Announcements
    • H04W4/14—Short messaging services, e.g. short message services [SMS] or unstructured supplementary service data [USSD]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/70—Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W8/00—Network data management
    • H04W8/18—Processing of user or subscriber data, e.g. subscribed services, user preferences or user profiles; Transfer of user or subscriber data
    • H04W8/183—Processing at user equipment or user record carrier
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W8/00—Network data management
    • H04W8/18—Processing of user or subscriber data, e.g. subscribed services, user preferences or user profiles; Transfer of user or subscriber data
    • H04W8/20—Transfer of user or subscriber data
    • H04W8/205—Transfer to or from user equipment or user record carrier

Definitions

  • Test method for verification of an RSP process and active test system providing such a test method
  • the invention relates to a test method for verification of a remote eSIM provisioning (RSP) process. Further, the invention relates to an active test system providing such a test method.
  • RSP remote eSIM provisioning
  • Test systems for mobile networks are known e.g. from US 10,097,981 Bl, from US 7,831,249 B2 and from WO 2004/049746 Al.
  • US 2019/0075448 A1 discloses a monitoring of embedded subscriber identity modules.
  • WO 2016/013827 Al discloses a method and a device for embedded SIM pro visioning.
  • WO 2017/013127 Al discloses a method for detecting remote access of a universal integrated circuit card.
  • test sys tem for testing mobile networks with remote eSIM provisioning.
  • test methods including the features of claims 1 or 2 and by an active test system including the features of claim 7.
  • Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card eUICC
  • embedded SIM eSIM
  • IoT Internet of Things
  • M2M Machine-to-Machine
  • eSIM is also being introduced for Smartphones.
  • eSIM is the next generation of SIM technology, intended to replace physical cards with a combination of hardware and software offering the ability to remotely switch a device between operators.
  • the technology allows one device to host multiple connectivity providers (known as profiles) and is designed for use across the whole spectrum of mobile devices, including smartphones and IoT modules.
  • the hardware part of an eUICC card is mainly manufactured in an embedded form factor (MFF2).
  • the software part of the eSIM can be remotely downloaded and installed on to the eUICC card.
  • the process is called Remote eSIM Provisioning (RSP).
  • RSP Remote eSIM Provisioning
  • eUICC or eSIM mentioned in this patent is referred to a ‘personalised’ eUICC or eSIM as the software part of eUICC to be downloaded.
  • An eUICC is not easily accessible or replaceable, is not intended to be removed or replaced in the device and enables a secure change of subscriptions.
  • GSMA SGP.02 v4.2 07 July 2020 - Remote Provisioning Architecture for Embedded SIM - Technical Specification GSMA SGP.22 v2.3, 05 June 2020 - RSP Technical Specification - GSMA SGP.02 v4.0, 25 Feb. 2019 - Embedded SIM Remote Provisioning Architecture for eSIM provisioning for the M2M devices and the consumer devices, respectively.
  • the test method and the active system according to the invention cover the test and verification aspects when eSIMs are provisioned on behalf of a mobile operator or a third party to those eSIM capable devices.
  • a profile is associated with an operator, is a combination of a file structure, data and applications to be provisioned onto, or present on, an eUICC, which allows, when enabled, the access to a specific mobile network infrastructure. Only one profile can be activated and operational at a time. Every profile on an eUICC can be managed to be enabled, disabled, removed or switched from one to the other by an eSIM RSP platform on behalf of the operator or a third party.
  • test method and the active test system apply an end-to-end test method which verifies the mobile network connectivity and services in context of the RSP process.
  • the test method verifies RSP in the test system and to test the mobile network connectivity by using the SIM provisioned in a national or international serving network in accordance with
  • the eSIM profile is a personalized software part, i.e. a software assigned to an allocated user, of an embodied universal integrated circuit card (eUICC).
  • eUICC embodied universal integrated circuit card
  • Such software includes at least one user profile.
  • the RSP process may be used for consumer devices, for example, smartphones, smartwatch- es, wearables, and/or for M2M (Machine to Machine) devices.
  • M2Machine to Machine) devices The test method verifies in particular a mobile network connectivity and services. Ordering of the eSIM profile from the RSP platform may be done manually or automatically. A sender of the order may be a mobile network operator (MNO). Prior to the ordering, the RSP process may be initiated.
  • MNO mobile network operator
  • a previous working profile or a bootstrap profile initially in stalled on the eUICC may be disabled and the downloaded eSIM profile is enabled.
  • the checking may be performed via monitoring of the occurrence of at least one failed criterion.
  • Such failed criteria may be fulfilled on the basis of an RSP platform connection timeout and/or of an network attach timeout and/or based on an expected structure of an ordering, of a trigger ing and/or of a downloading, and/or based on a timeout of a reattach of a device with the downloaded, updated eSIM profile.
  • the network connectivity and services are continuously provided by eSIM swapping during the test method.
  • the test probe simulates an M2M device.
  • the test probe may support a large frequency spectrum on the licensed bands, including 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G radio frequencies. Such configuration of the test probe allows to deploy SMS (Short Message Service) as an effi cient communication way between the remote RSP platform providing the eSIM profile and the test probe where the eSIM profile shall be provi sioned via the download.
  • the test probe may support SMSoNAS (SMS over NAS (Non-Access Stratum)) for 4G and 5G technologies.
  • SMSoIP SMS over Internet Protocol
  • IMS IP Mul timedia Subsystem
  • the test probe may be configured to adapt itself to choose the correct communication protocol depending on the communication technology environment, i.e.
  • the test probe may be configured to communicate with industrial IoT applica tions.
  • An example for such industrial IoT applications is LTE-M (Long- Term Evolution for Machines).
  • Another example is NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things).
  • the test probe may be configured to communicate with at least one low power wide area network (LPWAN) radio technology standard.
  • LPWAN low power wide area network
  • the test probe simulates a smartphone and/or consumer IoT device.
  • the test probe may be configured to test user transaction related test crite ria, i.e. to test the RSP verification process at a user level. During such user level test, the test probe may initiate quality test steps by checking quality parameters which may be defined by key parameter indicators (KPIs). Such KPIs may be an access failure ratio, an access time, a cut-off ratio, a down load start duration, a download availability ratio etc. Such quality parame ters may be checked via the test probe in real time. In that respect, the test probe may be configured to emulate a real user behavior of the user of the smartphone and/or the consumer IoT device.
  • KPIs key parameter indicators
  • Such KPIs may be an access failure ratio, an access time, a cut-off ratio, a down load start duration, a download availability ratio etc.
  • quality parame ters may be checked via the test probe in real time.
  • the test probe may be configured to emulate a real user behavior of the user of the smartphone and/or the consumer IoT device.
  • Examples for a consumer IoT device are a tablet, a smart watch, a wearable computer, e.g. smart glasses, a home voice controller, a door bell cam, a smart lock, a smart light switch, an air quality monitor etc.
  • a sending entity of a subscription request may use a proxy of a mobile network operator.
  • a subscription request may include a link or a code.
  • the sending entity of the order may confirm the subscription request from the test profile.
  • the confirma- tion may trigger the test probe to find a download address for downloading the ordered eSIM profile.
  • Triggering option may use an SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager Data Preparation) default address stored at the target eSIM, may use a root SM-DS (Subscription Manager Discovery Server) for discovery of FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) of the SM-DP+ ad dress, or may use an activation code containing the SM-DP+ address.
  • An order schedule according to claim 4 may include a quantity of eSIM profiles to be generated by the RSP platform, may include an IMSI value or IMSI values or an IMSI range, may include an ICCID value or ICCID values or an ICCID range, may include an impersonalized profile type or impersonalized profile types or may include information about a target eS IM or about target eSIMs, such as an EID (eUICC-ID).
  • the EID may be bound to an ordered eSIM profile id (ICCID).
  • a test method according to claim 5 has proven its efficiency.
  • the HTTP session may establish an e2e (end to end) connection over a TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol between the target eUICC and the RSP platform.
  • the test probe may establish a BIP (Bearer Independent Protocol) channel for communication between the test probe and the target eUICC.
  • the CAT TP session may include two commands, i.e. a request for an e2e CAT TP link and/or a data for BIP channel opening.
  • Such HTTPs session or CAT TP session may be maintained during the test method in particular via LTE/EPS.
  • a gateway identification may be per formed via an APN (Access Point Name) given in particular in the trigger ing SMS.
  • APN Access Point Name
  • test probe may be embodied as a smartphone.
  • An active test system is particularly suited for M2M application.
  • the SM-DP (Subscription Manager Data Preparation) module may receive orders and the SM-SR (Subscription Manager Secure Routing) module may manage personalized eSIM profiles.
  • An order module according to claim 10 may communicate with the RSP platform via a web interface or via an application program interface (API).
  • API application program interface
  • An RSP platform according to claim 11 is particularly suited for smartphones and/or consumer IoT devices.
  • the SM-DP+ module may manage personalized eSIM profiles.
  • the SM-DS module may identify a suitable SM-DP+ address to the test probe.
  • a signal connection between the SIM server according to claim 12 with a test probe may be established via LAN/WAN.
  • a SIM multiplexer accord ing to claim 12 provides a geographical separation of the test probe and the target eUICCs/eSIMs.
  • a cloud-based system according to claim 13 enables a comfortable and cost-effective client connection.
  • Fig. 1 Schematically main components of an active test system for providing a test method for verification of a remote eSIM provisioning (RSP) process for an M2M (machine to ma chine) device;
  • RSS remote eSIM provisioning
  • FIG. 2 In a schematic depiction similar to figure 1 a further embod- iment of an active test system providing a respective RSP ver ification process test method for a consumer device, e.g. a smartphone or different consumer IoT devices;
  • Fig. 3 a test system configuration including a SIM multiplexer
  • Fig. 4 a test system configuration communicating via a cloud.
  • RSP Remote Provisioning and Management platform
  • RSP Remote SIM Provisioning
  • SM-DP Subscribescription Manager Data Preparation
  • SM-SR Subscribescription Manager Security Routing
  • SM-DP module 2 acts on behalf of a mobile network operator (MNO) 4.
  • MNO mobile network operator
  • the SM-SR module 3 establishes a secure and authenticated transport channel to a personalized software part of an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) or embedded SIM (eSIM).
  • eUICC embedded universal integrated circuit card
  • eSIM embedded SIM
  • Such software part maybe assigned to an allocated user or to a connected device, in particular as part of the internet of things (IoT).
  • IoT internet of things
  • the SM-SR module 3 further manages personalized profiles at eUICC to be downloaded or switched each other.
  • An eSIM card 5 of any suitable form factor is inserted in a test probe 6 which according to one embodiment simulates an M2M device and according to another embodiment simulates a smartphone and/or a consumer IoT device.
  • the test probe 6, which can have multiple instances, is a part of an active test system 7 and configured to receive at least one required eSIM profile to be downloaded from the RSP platform 1 under test.
  • the inserted eSIM card 5 contains a currently working profile which is different from the required profile to be ordered and provisioned.
  • a test scenario to be tested with the test method includes a user side which is represented by the test probe 6.
  • Figure 1 illustrates three-steps Order - Trigger - Download’ of test procedures to verify downloading the required eSIM profile.
  • the RSP for an M2M device is initiated by a representative of the MNO 4 to order a particular eSIM profile for an identified target eUICC at the SM- DP module 2 of the RSP platform 1.
  • Two exemplified test scenarios are addressed: a) eSIM profile manually ordered at the RSP platform 1 under test
  • a human tester on behalf of the MNO 4, will connect to the RSP platform 1 under test and send the eSIM downloading order 8 manually to the RSP platform 1 targeting to the eSIM cards in the test probe 6 and wait for a provisioning message from the RSP platform 1.
  • eSIM profile automatically ordered at the RSP platform 1 under test
  • the RSP process can be automatically initiated.
  • the test system 7 is waiting for the provisioning message from the RSP platform 1.
  • the order token may contain:
  • IMSI value(s) or range International Mobile Subscriber Identity
  • ICCID value(s) or range Integrated Circuit Card ID
  • EID eUICC-ID
  • the SM-SR module 3 in the RSP platform 1 under test triggers a downloading of the required eSIM profile via an OTA (Over The Air) interface to the target eSIM card 5 in the test probe 6.
  • the SM-SR module 3 sends a trigger-SMS addressing the eSIM card 5.
  • the trigger-SMS sent by the SM-SR module 3 is delivered via the test probe 6 to the target eSIM card 5 and triggers an HTTPs session or a CAT TP session (Card Application Toolkit Transport Protocol), depending upon eUICC support.
  • the test probe Based on an APN (Access Point Name) encapsulated in the trigger-SMS, the test probe establishes a PDN (Packet Data Network) connection to a gateway named in the APN.
  • PDN Packet Data Network
  • the test probe 6 receives and processes the trigger 9 to the eSIM card 5.
  • the trigger-SMS contains an HTTP session triggering command which results in an establishment of an e2e (end-to-end) HTTP session over TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol between the eSIM card 5 and the SM-SR module 3 in the RSP platform 1.
  • TLS Transport Layer Security
  • the test probe 6 establishes a TCP/IP transport connection for the session towards the RSP platform 1 and establishes a BIP (Bearer Independent Protocol) channel for the communication between the test probe and the eSIM card 5.
  • BIP Biller Independent Protocol
  • the trigger-SMS contains two commands, a request for an e2e CAT TP link to be established between the eSIM card 5 and the SM-SR module 3, a Data for BIP channel opening between the test probe 6 and the eSIM card 5.
  • test probe 6 establishes a UDP/IP connection for the session and establishes the BIP (Bearer Independent Protocol) channel for the communication between the test probe 6 and the eSIM card 5.
  • BIP Body Independent Protocol
  • An operation of the required eSIM profile Download and Installation pro cedure is performed between the eSIM card 5 and the test probe 6 on the one hand and the RSP platform 1 under test on the other and may be car ried out into four main steps.
  • test probe 6 maintains a reliable HTTPs session or CAT TP session over LTE / EPS (Evolved Package System).
  • the triggering step and a checking step whether the ordered and triggered eSIM profile has been downloaded correctly are initiated from the user side, i.e. via the test probe 6.
  • An RSP platform 1 under test for the e SIM RSP of smartphones and/or consumer IoT devices respectively consists of two parts: a Subscription Manager Data Preparation ⁇ (SM-DP+) module 10 and a Subscription Manager Discovery Server (SM-DS) module 11.
  • the SM-DP+ module 10 prepares Profile Packages, secures them with a Profile Protection Key, binds each Protected Profile Package to a respective EID and securely downloads these Bound Profile Packages to the respective eSIM card 5.
  • SM-DS module 11 is required if an SM-DP+ address is unknown to the test probe 6.
  • the eSIM card 5 is inserted in the test probe 6 which simulates or represents a consumer device.
  • the test probe 6 is connected to the active test system 7 and configured to receive a required eSIM profile to be downloaded from the RSP platform 1 under test.
  • the inserted eSIM card 5 contains a currently working profile which is different from the profile(s) to be ordered and provisioned.
  • the test probe For downloading the required eSIM profiles from SM-DP+ or discovering the SM-DP+ address via the SM-DS module 11, the test probe uses HTTPs secure protocol.
  • Figure 2 illustrates exemplified four-steps ‘Request - Order - Trigger - Download’ of test procedures to verify downloading a required eSIM profile.
  • the test system 7 initiates the RSP process and requests for a subscription.
  • the MNO 4 orders the requested eSIM profile at the SM-DP+ module 10.
  • the prepared eSIM profile is secured stored at SM-DP+ module 10.
  • An EID is bound to the eSIM profile id (ICCID).
  • the MNO 4 confirms to the test probe 6 on the subscription which triggers the test probe 6 to find a suitable address for downloading the required eSIM profile.
  • the procedure is operator dependent and may be done by accessing a URL, by using a Local Profile Assistant (LPA) or by a native function in a device’s firmware.
  • LPA Local Profile Assistant
  • the test probe 6 selects one of the procedures in the following order. Using a default SM-DP+ address
  • test probe 6 retrieves the default SM-DP+ address preconfigured and stored in the eSIM card 5.
  • the test probe 6 retrieves an SM-DC address preconfigured and stored in the eSIM card 5, establishes a TLS connection with an SM-DC server, establishes a mutual authentication with SM-DC on HTTPs, and sends an Event request without Event Id.
  • the active testing system 6 has received an Activation Code by any means from the MNO 4, e.g. via email or API.
  • the AC contains at least an SM-DP+ address an AC token (matching Id)
  • the AC can be entered in the test probe 6 by manually typing or by scan ning a QR code (Quick Response). 4. Download and Installation step 15
  • An operation of the eSIM Profile Download procedure 15 is performed between the test probe 6 and the SM-DP+ module 10 of the RSP Platform 1 under test.
  • the test probe 6 maintains a reliable e2e HTTPs session over TCP/IP via LTE / EPS or fixed cables.
  • the test probe 6 initiates the required eSIM profile download with the parameters EID and a Matching ID to identify a bound profile package.
  • the Matching ID is empty if the profile is downloaded from the default SM-DP+ address.
  • test probe 6 After receiving the entire bound profile package, the test probe 6 initiates the installation of the required eSIM profile on the eSIM card 5 in a secure and protected way.
  • a smartphone may be used as the test probe 6.
  • the eSIM RSP in the smartphone is performed like the eSIM download procedure described above with respect to the eSIM card 5 in the test probe 6.
  • the smartphone is considered as a specific embodiment of the test probe 6, i.e. acting as a test mobile device with the same user access interface to the mobile Applications.
  • the active test system includes a SIM multiplexer 16.
  • the SIM multiplexer 16 includes a SIM server 17 and a multitude of eSIM cards 5.
  • the SIM server 17 is in signal connection with the test probe 6 which in this embodiment includes a SIM emulation module 18 which is in signal connection with a test probe environment 19 which may be embodied as a mobile or as a smartphone.
  • the SIM emulation in the SIM emulation module 18 represents and be haves as a target eSIM or eUICC of eSIM card 5.
  • the SIM Multiplexer 16 allows a geographical separation of the test probe 6 and the eSIM cards 5 (eUICC) for the multiple eSIM provisioning and the provisioned eSIM dispatching afterwards.
  • the test system 7, using the SIM Multiplexer 16 will bridge messages between the eSIM card 5 (eUICC) and the SM-SR module 3 (for M2M device, compare figure 1 above) or the SM-DP+ module 10 (for smartphones and/or consumer IoT devices, compare fig. 2 above), using the mobile connection provided by the test probe environment 19 of the test probe 6.
  • eSIM card 5 eUICC
  • the SM-SR module 3 for M2M device, compare figure 1 above
  • the SM-DP+ module 10 for smartphones and/or consumer IoT devices, compare fig. 2 above
  • the eSIM RSP verification consists of two test sequential parts. a) Verifying that eSIM profile is provisioned and swapped from bootstrap to the target Operator by checking the test probe successfully reattach ing the network and by comparing the new IMSI value with the one be fore eSIM RSP. b) Post-RSP network service assurance testing by using the provisioned eSIM in the test probe for basic mobile services, e.g. HTTPs download, Ping, SMS MO MT and Voice MO MT. Such post-RSP network ser vice assurance tests are not further described in detail.
  • the test system can be a traditional Server / clients model-based distributed test system. More recently, cloud-based test systems are largely deployed.
  • the test probe may be connected to either type of the test system.
  • a communication between main components of the test system 7 may be performed via a cloud-based test server 20 (cf. fig. 4).
  • Such cloudified test system 7 is applied for verification of eSIM RSP process (ref. to Fig. 4), as well as supports SMS and/or RAM (Remote Application Management) over HTTP(s) via LTE/EPS.
  • test probes 6 are depicted, communicating via core network interfaces or via radio interfaces.
  • the RSP testing procedure using the cloudified test system 7 is the same as described above.
  • a standard test sequence consisting of EPS ATTACH and Trigger-SMS may be performed.
  • a one-sided active test is performed.
  • the user starts the test and then manually triggers the RSP process from their provisioning platform (clients 21).
  • the test sequence is:
  • the triggering step and a checking step whether the ordered and triggered eSIM profile has been downloaded correctly are initiated from the user side, i.e. via the test probe 6.
  • Standard test parameters should be included.
  • a timeout parameter should be included, so that the user can set a timeout for how long to wait for the provisioning Trigger-SMS from the SM-SR module 3. Examples are given in the table below:
  • KPIs Key Parameter Indicators
  • the verification results may be recorded in a result file.
  • a result file could be in a PCAP (Packet Capture) format.
  • PCAP Packet Capture
  • IMSI at the end is the same as the IMSI at the start
  • This test sequence will need to be customized depending on the platform under test that the customer is using.
  • the mobile interface part should have the same behavior as in the manually triggered scenario discussed above:
  • the LAN interface should be used to send API commands to the provisioning platform 21.
  • the commands should be user-configurable, e.g. a download profile, a delete profile or an activate profile.
  • a timeout parameter should be included, so that the user can set a timeout for how long to wait for the provisioning trigger- SMS from the SM-SR module 3.
  • Additional parameters for interacting with the API will need to be included, such as type of operation, authentication to the API, eSIM/eUICC ID (EID) - the ID of the required eSIM profile that needs to be provisioned, IMSI.
  • EID eSIM/eUICC ID
  • IMSI the ID of the required eSIM profile that needs to be provisioned
  • IP session duration from the PCAP file - the time duration of the IP session between the eSIM card 5 and the SM-SR module 3 - this will reflect the time it took to complete the RSP operation, e.g. profile download, enabling, disabling
  • Total provisioning duration the time duration from sending the API 1 trigger until the IP session was completed.
  • SMS receive duration - the time duration from sending the API trigger until the provisioning SMS was received
  • Subscription Duration the time duration from Subscription request until the subscription confirmation
  • a PCAP file may be provided as result file.
  • IMSI at the end is the same as the IMSI at the start RSP platform is not reachable via API
  • the active test system also may include an order mod ule which may be part of the test probe 6.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)

Abstract

In a test method for verification of a remote eSIM provisioning process, an eSIM profile from an RSP platform (1) under test is ordered (8). After that, a download of the ordered eSIM profile from the RSP platform (1) is triggered (9). Then, the triggered eSIM profile is downloaded (9a) from the RSP platform (1) via an over the air interface to a target eSIM or eUICC (5) in a test probe (6). It is then verified whether the ordered, triggered and downloaded eSIM profile is correct. The test probe (6) may be configured to simulate an M2M device, a smartphone and/or a consumer IoT device. Such a test method enhances the capabilities of a test system for testing mobile networks with remote eSIM provisioning, while the network connectivity and services are continuously provided by eSIM swapping.

Description

Test method for verification of an RSP process and active test system providing such a test method
The present application claims priority of German patent application DE 10 2019 214 919.7 the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The invention relates to a test method for verification of a remote eSIM provisioning (RSP) process. Further, the invention relates to an active test system providing such a test method.
Test systems for mobile networks are known e.g. from US 10,097,981 Bl, from US 7,831,249 B2 and from WO 2004/049746 Al. US 2019/0075448 A1 discloses a monitoring of embedded subscriber identity modules. WO 2016/013827 Al discloses a method and a device for embedded SIM pro visioning. WO 2017/013127 Al discloses a method for detecting remote access of a universal integrated circuit card.
It is an object of the invention to enhance the capabilities of such a test sys tem for testing mobile networks with remote eSIM provisioning.
The object is met by test methods including the features of claims 1 or 2 and by an active test system including the features of claim 7.
Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) or embedded SIM (eSIM) is widespread and used for consumer IoT (Internet of Things) and M2M (Machine-to-Machine) devices, to identify a device towards a mobile network. Furthermore, eSIM is also being introduced for Smartphones. eSIM is the next generation of SIM technology, intended to replace physical cards with a combination of hardware and software offering the ability to remotely switch a device between operators. The technology allows one device to host multiple connectivity providers (known as profiles) and is designed for use across the whole spectrum of mobile devices, including smartphones and IoT modules.
The hardware part of an eUICC card is mainly manufactured in an embedded form factor (MFF2). The software part of the eSIM can be remotely downloaded and installed on to the eUICC card. The process is called Remote eSIM Provisioning (RSP). The term eUICC or eSIM mentioned in this patent is referred to a ‘personalised’ eUICC or eSIM as the software part of eUICC to be downloaded. An eUICC is not easily accessible or replaceable, is not intended to be removed or replaced in the device and enables a secure change of subscriptions.
GSMA has specified standards
GSMA SGP.02 v4.2, 07 July 2020 - Remote Provisioning Architecture for Embedded SIM - Technical Specification GSMA SGP.22 v2.3, 05 June 2020 - RSP Technical Specification - GSMA SGP.02 v4.0, 25 Feb. 2019 - Embedded SIM Remote Provisioning Architecture for eSIM provisioning for the M2M devices and the consumer devices, respectively. The test method and the active system according to the invention cover the test and verification aspects when eSIMs are provisioned on behalf of a mobile operator or a third party to those eSIM capable devices.
A further standard specified by GSMA is - GSMA SGP.23 RSP Test Specification Version 1.7, 07 July. 2020.
Another standard specified by GSMA is
GSMA SGP.24 RSP Compliance Process Version 2.2, 17 Sep. 2019.
Multiple profiles may be downloaded and installed on an eUICC. A profile is associated with an operator, is a combination of a file structure, data and applications to be provisioned onto, or present on, an eUICC, which allows, when enabled, the access to a specific mobile network infrastructure. Only one profile can be activated and operational at a time. Every profile on an eUICC can be managed to be enabled, disabled, removed or switched from one to the other by an eSIM RSP platform on behalf of the operator or a third party.
The test method and the active test system apply an end-to-end test method which verifies the mobile network connectivity and services in context of the RSP process. The test method verifies RSP in the test system and to test the mobile network connectivity by using the SIM provisioned in a national or international serving network in accordance with
- GSMA SGP.02 RSP for M2M devices,
GSMA SGP.22 RSP for consumer devices.
The eSIM profile is a personalized software part, i.e. a software assigned to an allocated user, of an embodied universal integrated circuit card (eUICC). Such software includes at least one user profile. The RSP process may be used for consumer devices, for example, smartphones, smartwatch- es, wearables, and/or for M2M (Machine to Machine) devices. The test method verifies in particular a mobile network connectivity and services. Ordering of the eSIM profile from the RSP platform may be done manually or automatically. A sender of the order may be a mobile network operator (MNO). Prior to the ordering, the RSP process may be initiated. During the test method, a previous working profile or a bootstrap profile initially in stalled on the eUICC may be disabled and the downloaded eSIM profile is enabled. The checking may be performed via monitoring of the occurrence of at least one failed criterion. Such failed criteria may be fulfilled on the basis of an RSP platform connection timeout and/or of an network attach timeout and/or based on an expected structure of an ordering, of a trigger ing and/or of a downloading, and/or based on a timeout of a reattach of a device with the downloaded, updated eSIM profile.
The network connectivity and services are continuously provided by eSIM swapping during the test method.
According to the test method of claim 1, the test probe simulates an M2M device.
The test probe may support a large frequency spectrum on the licensed bands, including 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G radio frequencies. Such configuration of the test probe allows to deploy SMS (Short Message Service) as an effi cient communication way between the remote RSP platform providing the eSIM profile and the test probe where the eSIM profile shall be provi sioned via the download. The test probe may support SMSoNAS (SMS over NAS (Non-Access Stratum)) for 4G and 5G technologies. The test probe may support SMSoIP (SMS over Internet Protocol) for IMS (IP Mul timedia Subsystem) technology. The test probe may be configured to adapt itself to choose the correct communication protocol depending on the communication technology environment, i.e. to adapt a required communi- cation protocol for eSIM verification of the respective RSP platform. The test probe may be configured to communicate with industrial IoT applica tions. An example for such industrial IoT applications is LTE-M (Long- Term Evolution for Machines). Another example is NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things). The test probe may be configured to communicate with at least one low power wide area network (LPWAN) radio technology standard.
According to the test method of claim 2, the test probe simulates a smartphone and/or consumer IoT device.
The test probe may be configured to test user transaction related test crite ria, i.e. to test the RSP verification process at a user level. During such user level test, the test probe may initiate quality test steps by checking quality parameters which may be defined by key parameter indicators (KPIs). Such KPIs may be an access failure ratio, an access time, a cut-off ratio, a down load start duration, a download availability ratio etc. Such quality parame ters may be checked via the test probe in real time. In that respect, the test probe may be configured to emulate a real user behavior of the user of the smartphone and/or the consumer IoT device.
Examples for a consumer IoT device are a tablet, a smart watch, a wearable computer, e.g. smart glasses, a home voice controller, a door bell cam, a smart lock, a smart light switch, an air quality monitor etc.
A sending entity of a subscription request according to claim 3 may use a proxy of a mobile network operator. A subscription request may include a link or a code. During the triggering step, the sending entity of the order may confirm the subscription request from the test profile. The confirma- tion may trigger the test probe to find a download address for downloading the ordered eSIM profile. Triggering option may use an SM-DP+ (Sub scription Manager Data Preparation) default address stored at the target eSIM, may use a root SM-DS (Subscription Manager Discovery Server) for discovery of FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) of the SM-DP+ ad dress, or may use an activation code containing the SM-DP+ address.
An order schedule according to claim 4 may include a quantity of eSIM profiles to be generated by the RSP platform, may include an IMSI value or IMSI values or an IMSI range, may include an ICCID value or ICCID values or an ICCID range, may include an impersonalized profile type or impersonalized profile types or may include information about a target eS IM or about target eSIMs, such as an EID (eUICC-ID). The EID may be bound to an ordered eSIM profile id (ICCID).
A test method according to claim 5 has proven its efficiency.
This applies in particular to a test method according to claim 6. The HTTP session may establish an e2e (end to end) connection over a TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol between the target eUICC and the RSP platform. The test probe may establish a BIP (Bearer Independent Protocol) channel for communication between the test probe and the target eUICC. The CAT TP session may include two commands, i.e. a request for an e2e CAT TP link and/or a data for BIP channel opening. Such HTTPs session or CAT TP session may be maintained during the test method in particular via LTE/EPS. In a test method according to claim 7, a gateway identification may be per formed via an APN (Access Point Name) given in particular in the trigger ing SMS.
The advantages of an active test system according to claim 8 correspond to those mentioned above with respect to the test method. A test probe may be embodied as a smartphone.
An active test system according to claim 9 is particularly suited for M2M application. The SM-DP (Subscription Manager Data Preparation) module may receive orders and the SM-SR (Subscription Manager Secure Routing) module may manage personalized eSIM profiles.
An order module according to claim 10 may communicate with the RSP platform via a web interface or via an application program interface (API).
An RSP platform according to claim 11 is particularly suited for smartphones and/or consumer IoT devices. The SM-DP+ module may manage personalized eSIM profiles. The SM-DS module may identify a suitable SM-DP+ address to the test probe.
A signal connection between the SIM server according to claim 12 with a test probe may be established via LAN/WAN. A SIM multiplexer accord ing to claim 12 provides a geographical separation of the test probe and the target eUICCs/eSIMs.
A cloud-based system according to claim 13 enables a comfortable and cost-effective client connection. Embodiments of the invention are herein after described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings show
Fig. 1 Schematically main components of an active test system for providing a test method for verification of a remote eSIM provisioning (RSP) process for an M2M (machine to ma chine) device;
Fig. 2 In a schematic depiction similar to figure 1 a further embod- iment of an active test system providing a respective RSP ver ification process test method for a consumer device, e.g. a smartphone or different consumer IoT devices;
Fig. 3 a test system configuration including a SIM multiplexer; and
Fig. 4 a test system configuration communicating via a cloud.
A. Testing eSIM RSP for M2M An eUICC Remote Provisioning and Management platform or known as RSP (Remote SIM Provisioning) platform 1, is responsible for remote eSIM provisioning. It concludes two entities, an SM-DP (Subscription Manager Data Preparation) module 2 and an SM-SR (Subscription Manager Security Routing) module 3 securely connected with each other. SM-DP module 2 acts on behalf of a mobile network operator (MNO) 4. The SM-SR module 3 establishes a secure and authenticated transport channel to a personalized software part of an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) or embedded SIM (eSIM). Such software part maybe assigned to an allocated user or to a connected device, in particular as part of the internet of things (IoT). The SM-SR module 3 further manages personalized profiles at eUICC to be downloaded or switched each other.
An eSIM card 5 of any suitable form factor is inserted in a test probe 6 which according to one embodiment simulates an M2M device and according to another embodiment simulates a smartphone and/or a consumer IoT device. The test probe 6, which can have multiple instances, is a part of an active test system 7 and configured to receive at least one required eSIM profile to be downloaded from the RSP platform 1 under test. The inserted eSIM card 5 contains a currently working profile which is different from the required profile to be ordered and provisioned.
A test scenario to be tested with the test method includes a user side which is represented by the test probe 6.
Figure 1 illustrates three-steps Order - Trigger - Download’ of test procedures to verify downloading the required eSIM profile.
1. Order eSIM profile (Order step 8)
The RSP for an M2M device is initiated by a representative of the MNO 4 to order a particular eSIM profile for an identified target eUICC at the SM- DP module 2 of the RSP platform 1. Two exemplified test scenarios are addressed: a) eSIM profile manually ordered at the RSP platform 1 under test
A human tester, on behalf of the MNO 4, will connect to the RSP platform 1 under test and send the eSIM downloading order 8 manually to the RSP platform 1 targeting to the eSIM cards in the test probe 6 and wait for a provisioning message from the RSP platform 1. b) eSIM profile automatically ordered at the RSP platform 1 under test
The active testing system 7, on behalf of the MNO 4, interacts with the RSP platform 1 under test via a Web Interface or an API (Application Programming Interface) with an order token for ordering one or multiple eSIM profiles. The RSP process can be automatically initiated. The test system 7 is waiting for the provisioning message from the RSP platform 1. The order token may contain:
The quantity of the eSIM profiles to be generated by the SM-DP mod ule 2;
IMSI value(s) or range (International Mobile Subscriber Identity); ICCID value(s) or range (Integrated Circuit Card ID);
Un-personalized Profile type(s);
Information about the target eUICC(s), such as an EID (eUICC-ID).
2. Trigger step 9
The SM-SR module 3 in the RSP platform 1 under test triggers a downloading of the required eSIM profile via an OTA (Over The Air) interface to the target eSIM card 5 in the test probe 6. The SM-SR module 3 sends a trigger-SMS addressing the eSIM card 5. When the test probe 6 with the current profile on the eSIM card 5 is attached to a mobile network (e.g. EPS attach at a 4G/5G network or GPRS attach at a 2G/3G network), the trigger-SMS sent by the SM-SR module 3 is delivered via the test probe 6 to the target eSIM card 5 and triggers an HTTPs session or a CAT TP session (Card Application Toolkit Transport Protocol), depending upon eUICC support. Based on an APN (Access Point Name) encapsulated in the trigger-SMS, the test probe establishes a PDN (Packet Data Network) connection to a gateway named in the APN.
The test probe 6 receives and processes the trigger 9 to the eSIM card 5. If HTTPs is used, the trigger-SMS contains an HTTP session triggering command which results in an establishment of an e2e (end-to-end) HTTP session over TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol between the eSIM card 5 and the SM-SR module 3 in the RSP platform 1. Beneath the HTTP session, the test probe 6 establishes a TCP/IP transport connection for the session towards the RSP platform 1 and establishes a BIP (Bearer Independent Protocol) channel for the communication between the test probe and the eSIM card 5.
If CAT TP is used, the trigger-SMS contains two commands, a request for an e2e CAT TP link to be established between the eSIM card 5 and the SM-SR module 3, a Data for BIP channel opening between the test probe 6 and the eSIM card 5.
Similarly, beneath the CAT TP session, the test probe 6 establishes a UDP/IP connection for the session and establishes the BIP (Bearer Independent Protocol) channel for the communication between the test probe 6 and the eSIM card 5.
3. Download and Installation step 9a
An operation of the required eSIM profile Download and Installation pro cedure is performed between the eSIM card 5 and the test probe 6 on the one hand and the RSP platform 1 under test on the other and may be car ried out into four main steps.
Creating a profile entity of a secure domain for each required eSIM profile to be downloaded on the eSIM card 5,
Personalizing the entity with a first secure key set, called a key estab lishment,
Downloading the required eSIM profile from the SM-DP module 2 and installing the eSIM profile with RAM (Remote Application Manage ment) onto the eSIM card 5,
Enabling the newly installed eSIM profile and disabling the previously used working profile on the eSIM card 5, called profile switching.
During the operation, the test probe 6 maintains a reliable HTTPs session or CAT TP session over LTE / EPS (Evolved Package System).
The triggering step and a checking step whether the ordered and triggered eSIM profile has been downloaded correctly are initiated from the user side, i.e. via the test probe 6. B. Testing eSIM RSP for consumer devices
With respect to figure 2, a further embodiment of an active test system providing a test method for verification of an RSP process for smartphones or consumer IoT devices, respectively, is described. Components and func tions which already were discussed with respect to the embodiment of fig ure 1, carry the same reference numerals and not discussed in detail again.
An RSP platform 1 under test for the e SIM RSP of smartphones and/or consumer IoT devices, respectively consists of two parts: a Subscription Manager Data Preparation† (SM-DP+) module 10 and a Subscription Manager Discovery Server (SM-DS) module 11. The SM-DP+ module 10 prepares Profile Packages, secures them with a Profile Protection Key, binds each Protected Profile Package to a respective EID and securely downloads these Bound Profile Packages to the respective eSIM card 5. SM-DS module 11 is required if an SM-DP+ address is unknown to the test probe 6.
The eSIM card 5 is inserted in the test probe 6 which simulates or represents a consumer device. The test probe 6 is connected to the active test system 7 and configured to receive a required eSIM profile to be downloaded from the RSP platform 1 under test. The inserted eSIM card 5 contains a currently working profile which is different from the profile(s) to be ordered and provisioned. For downloading the required eSIM profiles from SM-DP+ or discovering the SM-DP+ address via the SM-DS module 11, the test probe uses HTTPs secure protocol. Figure 2 illustrates exemplified four-steps ‘Request - Order - Trigger - Download’ of test procedures to verify downloading a required eSIM profile.
1. Request 12 for subscription
The test system 7 initiates the RSP process and requests for a subscription.
2. Order 13 eSIM profile
The MNO 4 orders the requested eSIM profile at the SM-DP+ module 10.
The prepared eSIM profile is secured stored at SM-DP+ module 10. An EID is bound to the eSIM profile id (ICCID).
3. Trigger 14 - Confirmation of subscription
The MNO 4 confirms to the test probe 6 on the subscription which triggers the test probe 6 to find a suitable address for downloading the required eSIM profile. The procedure is operator dependent and may be done by accessing a URL, by using a Local Profile Assistant (LPA) or by a native function in a device’s firmware. There are e.g. three options to trigger the test probe 6 representing the consumer devices or a smartphone.
Using a default SM-DP+ address stored in the eSIM card 5 Using root SM-DS to discover SM-DP+ address (FQDN)
Using an Activation Code (AC)
The test probe 6 selects one of the procedures in the following order. Using a default SM-DP+ address
This option is often used as power-on profile discovery. The test probe 6 retrieves the default SM-DP+ address preconfigured and stored in the eSIM card 5.
Using root SM-DS for profile discovery The test probe 6 retrieves an SM-DC address preconfigured and stored in the eSIM card 5, establishes a TLS connection with an SM-DC server, establishes a mutual authentication with SM-DC on HTTPs, and sends an Event request without Event Id. The SM-DC answers the Event request with an AC (= SM-DP+ address + matching ID), i.e. an activation code to the test probe 6.
Using AC
The active testing system 6 has received an Activation Code by any means from the MNO 4, e.g. via email or API. The AC contains at least an SM-DP+ address an AC token (matching Id) The AC can be entered in the test probe 6 by manually typing or by scan ning a QR code (Quick Response). 4. Download and Installation step 15
An operation of the eSIM Profile Download procedure 15 is performed between the test probe 6 and the SM-DP+ module 10 of the RSP Platform 1 under test. During the operation, the test probe 6 maintains a reliable e2e HTTPs session over TCP/IP via LTE / EPS or fixed cables. The test probe 6 initiates the required eSIM profile download with the parameters EID and a Matching ID to identify a bound profile package. The Matching ID is empty if the profile is downloaded from the default SM-DP+ address.
After receiving the entire bound profile package, the test probe 6 initiates the installation of the required eSIM profile on the eSIM card 5 in a secure and protected way.
In a further embodiment, a smartphone may be used as the test probe 6.
The eSIM RSP in the smartphone is performed like the eSIM download procedure described above with respect to the eSIM card 5 in the test probe 6. The smartphone is considered as a specific embodiment of the test probe 6, i.e. acting as a test mobile device with the same user access interface to the mobile Applications.
In case of enterprise smartphones, an EID list is used for the required eSIM profile order. The above described approach of using root SM-DS for ad dress discovery is applied in the Trigger step 14.
In a further embodiment shown in fig. 3, the active test system includes a SIM multiplexer 16. The SIM multiplexer 16 includes a SIM server 17 and a multitude of eSIM cards 5. The SIM server 17 is in signal connection with the test probe 6 which in this embodiment includes a SIM emulation module 18 which is in signal connection with a test probe environment 19 which may be embodied as a mobile or as a smartphone.
The SIM emulation in the SIM emulation module 18 represents and be haves as a target eSIM or eUICC of eSIM card 5.
The SIM Multiplexer 16 allows a geographical separation of the test probe 6 and the eSIM cards 5 (eUICC) for the multiple eSIM provisioning and the provisioned eSIM dispatching afterwards. The test system 7, using the SIM Multiplexer 16, will bridge messages between the eSIM card 5 (eUICC) and the SM-SR module 3 (for M2M device, compare figure 1 above) or the SM-DP+ module 10 (for smartphones and/or consumer IoT devices, compare fig. 2 above), using the mobile connection provided by the test probe environment 19 of the test probe 6. A respective embodiment is described below with reference to fig. 4.
The eSIM RSP verification consists of two test sequential parts. a) Verifying that eSIM profile is provisioned and swapped from bootstrap to the target Operator by checking the test probe successfully reattach ing the network and by comparing the new IMSI value with the one be fore eSIM RSP. b) Post-RSP network service assurance testing by using the provisioned eSIM in the test probe for basic mobile services, e.g. HTTPs download, Ping, SMS MO MT and Voice MO MT. Such post-RSP network ser vice assurance tests are not further described in detail. The test system can be a traditional Server / clients model-based distributed test system. More recently, cloud-based test systems are largely deployed. The test probe may be connected to either type of the test system.
A communication between main components of the test system 7 may be performed via a cloud-based test server 20 (cf. fig. 4).
Such cloudified test system 7 is applied for verification of eSIM RSP process (ref. to Fig. 4), as well as supports SMS and/or RAM (Remote Application Management) over HTTP(s) via LTE/EPS.
In figure 4, different embodiments of test probes 6 are depicted, communicating via core network interfaces or via radio interfaces.
The RSP testing procedure using the cloudified test system 7 is the same as described above. A standard test sequence consisting of EPS ATTACH and Trigger-SMS may be performed.
In the following, main aspects regarding verification of a manually triggered RSP process are discussed.
A one-sided active test is performed. For this scenario the user starts the test and then manually triggers the RSP process from their provisioning platform (clients 21). The test sequence is:
Attach to the network (MNO 4, compare figures 1 and 2 above),
Wait for receiving the provisioning SMS-MT or the SM-DP+ address with an AC token, Wait until the eSIM provisioning HTTPs session between the eSIM card 5 and the RSP platform 1 (including a SM-SR module 3 or a SM- DP+ 10) is completed,
Wait for successful network re-attach with new provisioned eSIM profile,
Detach from the network.
The triggering step and a checking step whether the ordered and triggered eSIM profile has been downloaded correctly are initiated from the user side, i.e. via the test probe 6.
Input Parameters
Standard test parameters should be included. In addition, a timeout parameter should be included, so that the user can set a timeout for how long to wait for the provisioning Trigger-SMS from the SM-SR module 3. Examples are given in the table below:
Key Parameter Indicators (KPIs)
The following KPIs should be provided:
The verification results may be recorded in a result file. Such file could be in a PCAP (Packet Capture) format. The following fail criteria may be established during the RSP verification:
No SMS is received from SM-SR (during the user configured timeout period) or no Subscription confirmation (AC) received HTTPs session is not opened between the eSIM card 5 or the SIM emulation in the SIM emulation module 18 and the RSP platform (SM- SR or SM-DP+)
IMSI at the end is the same as the IMSI at the start
The network re-attach to the new APN after the IMSI change is not successful
In case of an automatically triggered RSP (compare the embodiment described with respect to figure 2 above, the active test system 7 according to figure 4 should use two interfaces for RSP:
One mobile interface for RSP process itself
One LAN interface for interacting with the API of the RSP platform 1 under test
This test sequence will need to be customized depending on the platform under test that the customer is using.
The mobile interface part should have the same behavior as in the manually triggered scenario discussed above:
Attach to the network (MNO 4, compare figures 1 and 2 above)
Wait for the provisioning trigger-SMS
Wait until the HTTPs session between the eSIM card 5 and the RSP platform 1 (SM-SR module 3 or SM-DP+ 10) is completed,
Detach from the network. The LAN interface should be used to send API commands to the provisioning platform 21. The commands should be user-configurable, e.g. a download profile, a delete profile or an activate profile.
Input Parameters
Like the manual scenario, a timeout parameter should be included, so that the user can set a timeout for how long to wait for the provisioning trigger- SMS from the SM-SR module 3.
Additional parameters for interacting with the API will need to be included, such as type of operation, authentication to the API, eSIM/eUICC ID (EID) - the ID of the required eSIM profile that needs to be provisioned, IMSI. The complete list of parameters can be specified based on the particular RSP platform API documentation.
Key Parameter Indicators
The following KPIs should be provided:
IMSI at the start of the test IMSI at the end of the test
IP session duration from the PCAP file - the time duration of the IP session between the eSIM card 5 and the SM-SR module 3 - this will reflect the time it took to complete the RSP operation, e.g. profile download, enabling, disabling
IP address of SM-SR module 3 or SM-DP+ module 10 - from PCAP file IP session start duration - if possible - measured as the time duration between receiving the provisioning SMS or receiving the AC and the start of the IP session (TCP SYN from mobile to the RSP platform 1 (SM-SR or SM-DP+))
Total provisioning duration - the time duration from sending the API 1 trigger until the IP session was completed.
SMS receive duration - the time duration from sending the API trigger until the provisioning SMS was received
Subscription Duration - the time duration from Subscription request until the subscription confirmation
A PCAP file may be provided as result file.
The following fail criteria may be established during the RSP verification:
No SMS is received from SM-SR (during the user configured timeout period) or no Subscription confirmation (AC) is received HTTPs session is not opened between the eSIM card 5 or the SIM emulation in the SIM emulation module 18 and the RSP platform (SM- SR or SM-DP+)
IMSI at the end is the same as the IMSI at the start RSP platform is not reachable via API
For automatic ordering of a sequence of required eSIM profiles according to an order schedule, the active test system also may include an order mod ule which may be part of the test probe 6.

Claims

Patent Claims
1. Test method for verification of a Remote eSIM provisioning (RSP) process including the following steps: - Ordering (8; 13) an eSIM profile from an RSP platform (1) under test;
Triggering (9; 14) a download of the ordered eSIM profile from the RSP platform (1);
Downloading (9a; 15) the triggered eSIM profile from the RSP platform (1) via an over the air (OTA) interface to a target eSIM or eUICC (5) in a test probe (6);
Checking whether the ordered and triggered eSIM profile has been downloaded correctly, wherein the test probe (6) is configured to simulate an M2M (Ma- chine to Machine) device.
2. Test method for verification of a Remote eSIM provisioning (RSP) process including the following steps:
Ordering (8; 13) an eSIM profile from an RSP platform (1) under test;
Triggering (9; 14) a download of the ordered eSIM profile from the RSP platform (1);
Downloading (9a; 15) the triggered eSIM profile from the RSP platform (1) via an over the air (OTA) interface to a target eSIM or eUICC (5) in a test probe (6);
Checking whether the ordered and triggered eSIM profile has been downloaded correctly, wherein the test probe (6) is configured to simulate a smartphone and/or a consumer IoT device, wherein a test scenario to be tested with the test method includes a user side which is represented by the test probe (6), wherein the triggering step (9; 14) and the checking step are initi ated from the user side.
3. Test method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein prior to ordering, a subscription request (12) is sent from the test probe (6) to a sending en tity (4) of the order.
4. Test method according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the method includes an automatic ordering of a sequence of eSIM profiles according to an order schedule.
5. Test method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein during the trig gering, the RSP platform (1) sends a triggering SMS to the test probe (6) addressing the target eUICC (5).
6. Test method according to claim 5, wherein the triggering SMS triggers an HTTPs session or a CAT TP (Card Application Toolkit Transport Protocol) session.
7. Test method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein during trigger ing the test probe (6) establishes a PDN (Packet Data Network) con nection to a gateway named in the triggering SMS.
8. Active test system (7) providing a test method according to one of claims 1 to 7, with at least one test probe (6) including at least one target eSIM or eUICC (5) with an installed initial working profile; an interface to an RSP platform (1) for remote provision of an eS- IM profile which is different from the initial working profile; an OTA interface for providing a communication between the RSP platform (1) and the test probe (6).
9. Active test system according to claim 8, wherein the RSP platform (1) includes a Subscription Manager Data Preparation (SM-DP) module (2); a Subscription Manager Security Routing (SM-SR) module (3).
10. Active test system according to claim 8 or 9 characterized by an order module for automatic ordering of a sequence of eSIM profiles accord ing to an order schedule. 11. Active test system according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the RSP platform (1) includes a Subscription Manager Data Preparation† (SM-DP+) module
(10); a Subscription Manager Discovery Server (SM-DS) module
(11).
12. Active test system according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by a SIM Multiplexer (16) including a SIM server (17) and a multitude of eUICCs (5) the SIM server (17) being in signal connection with the test probe (6).
13. Active test system according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by a cloud-based server (20).
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KR102725004B1 (en) 2024-10-31
JP2023501874A (en) 2023-01-20
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AU2020354339A1 (en) 2022-04-07
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