Google has developed a technology for connecting different operators to one eSIM. What principles will it operate on?
What is eSIM?
eSIM (embedded SIM or built-in SIM card) is a subscriber identifier embedded directly in the device and reprogrammed to connect to a specific cellular operator. The built-in SIM card is used mainly in flagships that need to save free space in the case.
A feature of eSIM is the remote connection procedure. The telecom operator sends a special QR code to the client, with the help of which the connection to the desired network is made. If desired, changing the operator is easy, just rewrite the profile.
Difficulties in applying technology
At the moment, brands do not risk leaving their smartphones without a physical SIM tray, so the most popular solution is the combination of SIM + eSIM. The problem with built-in SIM cards is that they can only use one active profile, since it communicates with the modem (communication chip) via a dedicated line, which is a wire or bus.
To implement two simultaneous connections, you will need to add another eSIM and a data interface to the motherboard. This, in turn, will lead to a more complex design, an increase in energy consumption, an increase in the price of equipment and the use of additional free space in the smartphone case.
How will Google solve this problem?
Google has patented a technology that will create logical interfaces that are transmitted in parallel on the same physical interface. The logical channel will separately connect the SIM card profile and the modem. The eSIM chip will also be divided into logical fragments (ports), which will contain different individual subscriber numbers (Multiple Enabled Profiles).
For the modem, there is not much difference which channel will be connected to it: physical or logical. Thus, the technology will be able to work even on devices that have already been released after a software update. It is noted that the technology will be available for iOS, macOS and Windows platforms.
As for Android, Google plans to implement the ability to connect two subscribers to eSIM in the 13th version of the OS, the release of which is scheduled for the second half of this year.
What is eSIM?
eSIM (embedded SIM or built-in SIM card) is a subscriber identifier embedded directly in the device and reprogrammed to connect to a specific cellular operator. The built-in SIM card is used mainly in flagships that need to save free space in the case.
A feature of eSIM is the remote connection procedure. The telecom operator sends a special QR code to the client, with the help of which the connection to the desired network is made. If desired, changing the operator is easy, just rewrite the profile.
Difficulties in applying technology
At the moment, brands do not risk leaving their smartphones without a physical SIM tray, so the most popular solution is the combination of SIM + eSIM. The problem with built-in SIM cards is that they can only use one active profile, since it communicates with the modem (communication chip) via a dedicated line, which is a wire or bus.
To implement two simultaneous connections, you will need to add another eSIM and a data interface to the motherboard. This, in turn, will lead to a more complex design, an increase in energy consumption, an increase in the price of equipment and the use of additional free space in the smartphone case.
How will Google solve this problem?
Google has patented a technology that will create logical interfaces that are transmitted in parallel on the same physical interface. The logical channel will separately connect the SIM card profile and the modem. The eSIM chip will also be divided into logical fragments (ports), which will contain different individual subscriber numbers (Multiple Enabled Profiles).
For the modem, there is not much difference which channel will be connected to it: physical or logical. Thus, the technology will be able to work even on devices that have already been released after a software update. It is noted that the technology will be available for iOS, macOS and Windows platforms.
As for Android, Google plans to implement the ability to connect two subscribers to eSIM in the 13th version of the OS, the release of which is scheduled for the second half of this year.
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