eSIM Management 101: Understanding SM-DP+

As the telecommunication industry changes and eSIMs are becoming the norm, understanding the most important parts of the eSIM ecosystem becomes crucial for MNOs seeking to provide the best and most secure service to their clients. One important part of this eSIM ecosystem is the SM-DP+ platform that aids in securely activating eSIMs for new customers. In this article, we will expand on what exactly the SM-DP+ platform is and what role it plays in eSIM management.

• eUICC: The first and most obvious component of the GSMA architecture is the physical embedded SIM card which is also referred to as eUICC (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card). The eSIM stores the eSIM profile in the device and handles all data communication between the device and the network. Essentially, an eSIM is how the device gets access to the network. The SM-DP+ communicates with the eUICC through the ES8+ interface. This channel enables the secure download, installation and management of eSIM profiles on the device.
• eSIM Profile: This component of the GSMA architecture refers to the actual subscription and user information stored within the eUICC.
• SM-DP+ Platform: This platform is used by operators (MNOs) to create, manage, and deliver eSIM profiles to devices. Once a device is ready to activate an eSIM, it connects to the SM-DP+ to download the necessary profile.

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What is an SM-DP+ platform?

The SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager Data Preparation Plus) is the digital heart of eSIM management. It’s the system or platform responsible for creating, managing and delivering eSIM profiles to devices. Think of it as the control centre for mobile subscriptions.

The SM-DP+ operates within the GSMA's consumer architecture, which follows a client-driven pull model. This means devices initiate the process of requesting and downloading eSIM profiles.

Imagine the SM-DP+ as a central hub for mobile network operators (MNOs). It receives detailed information about subscribers, including their phone numbers, data plans and other relevant data, and creates a profile for the user.

Once a profile is created, the SM-DP+ securely stores the information until a compatible device requests it through various methods including QR codes, activation codes or direct connection. When a user wants to activate a new mobile plan or switch carriers, the SM-DP+ delivers the necessary profile to the user's device.

Aside from the profile creation, management and profile delivery, the SM-DP+ has many other supporting functions. These functions include securing the profile data and protecting any sensitive information, tracking the status of profiles from creation to deletion (profile lifecycle management), inventory management of available profiles and eSIM performance reporting functions.

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SM-DP+ in the eSIM ecosystem

Now that we understand what the SM-DP+ actually is and its importance, let's explore how it interacts with other features within the eSIM ecosystem.

To function, the SM-DP+ platform relies on several interfaces that serve as “communication channels” to interact with other systems. These interfaces ensure the secure flow of information and the execution of varying eSIM management tasks. Off-card interfaces specifically refer to those communication channels that help connect different components of the eSIM management system, except the physical embedded SIM.

• ES2+: This is the primary interface between the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) and the SM-DP+ platform. ES2+ facilitates tasks like ordering profiles, managing subscriptions and performing administrative functions.
• ES9+: This interface acts as a protective tunnel through which encrypted profile data is securely transferred between the SM-DP+ platform and the Local Profile Assistant (LPA) on the device.
• ES11: Used for retrieving event records related to a specific eUICC from the Local Data Store (LDS), ES11 helps the SM-DP+ keep a history of an eSIM's activities. This information is useful for troubleshooting and analysing eSIM performance.
• ES12: This interface allows the SM-DP+ to register or remove event registrations on the SM-DS. Essentially, ES12 allows the SM-DP+ to be notified about specific important events related to the eSIM.
• ES15: Facilitates communication between different SM-DS instances in a network with multiple SM-DS servers.

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The SM-DP+ platform plays a vital role in enabling a smooth connection for MNO clients. As the industry changes, the SM-DP+ will remain a critical component in shaping the future of connectivity.

Stay tuned to learn more about all parts of the eSIM management system in the following instalments of our eSIM Management 101 series.