Authenticating Multiple Devices Simultaneously Over a Wireless Link Using a Single Subscriber Identity Module

• US 20120052914A1
• Filed: 11/07/2011
• Published: 03/01/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/24/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Telcordia Legacy Inc.
• Original Assignee: Telcordia Technologies Incorporated (Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson), Toshiba Corporation
• Inventors: Yaqub, Raziq, McAuley, Anthony
• Granted Patent: US 8,706,035 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/558
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/445 by mutual authentication, e.g. between devices or programs
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0853 using an additional device, e.g. smartcard, SIM or a different communication terminal cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication involving additional secure or trusted devices H04L9/3234
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/43 using shared identity modules, e.g. SIM sharing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/20 Transfer of user or subscriber data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/205 Transfer to or from user equipment or user record carrier
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/08 between user and terminal device

Abstract

A system and method for allowing mobile devices to simultaneously access a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) are disclosed. The SIM contains a wireless transceiver, and the SIM may be located within a mobile phone, or it may be a stand-alone device. The mobile devices use a wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth, to retrieve identification information from the SIM. The devices then use this identification information to connect to a wireless communications network, such as a wireless local area network. Through this network the devices will be able to access the Internet. The SIM will never need to be removed and inserted from one device to another, and multiple devices can use the SIM simultaneously. Thus, the mobile phone will work regardless of whether other devices are also using the SIM.

Claims

1. A method of automatically synchronizing data between multiple devices accessing multiple networks, comprising the steps of:

inputting said data into one of said devices;

transmitting said data to a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM); and

sending said data to other devices in communication with said SIM.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the steps of transmitting and sending said data occur using a wireless protocol.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of storing said data in said SIM.