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AppleGranted patentNetworks & wirelessInterest 6/10

Apple patents phones that help base stations split data traffic

Apple describes a system where a phone duplicates parts of a cell tower's data processing functions. This allows the phone to help route data to other nearby devices, splitting the traffic between the tower and the phone itself.

Why it mattersThis could improve network efficiency by letting phones share the load of handling data, potentially leading to faster speeds in crowded areas.

In the filing’s own words

A network may include user equipment (UE) devices and a base station that communicates using a control unit (CU) and a data unit (DU). A primary UE may duplicate the DU and a subset of control functions of the CU. When the DU on the primary UE is active, the base station and primary UE may effectuate a split or bearer duplication of the DU at the RLC/PDCP/MAC layer between the primary UE and the base station. Data may be concurrently routed data through the primary UE using inter-UE links and direct cellular telephone links to the base station. When the subset of the control functions of the CU are active on the primary UE, the device may perform RRC functions, MAC control functions, RLC control functions, or other control functions to generate information for use by the base station in updating communications.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An electronic device comprising: a radio configured to convey first radio signals to communicate with a wireless base station that performs wireless functions characterized by a data unit (DU) and control unit (CU); and one or more processors configured to duplicate a function of a radio link control (RLC) layer or a media access control (MAC) layer of the DU of the wireless base station that, when activated by the wireless base station, controls the radio to route a first portion of wireless data between the wireless base station and a user equipment device using the first radio signals and second radio signals, the second radio signals being conveyed between the electronic device and the user equipment device while the user equipment device concurrently conveys a second portion of the wireless data with the wireless base station using third radio signals conveyed between the user equipment device and the wireless base station.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
Local coordinated communications for user equipment devices
Patent number
US12750744B2
Application number
18180010
Filed
Mar 7, 2023
Granted
Sep 29, 2026
Inventors
3
Claims
20

Classified under

H04W 36/0058 Electricity & electronicsH04W 36/06 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.