Apple patents phone switch that keeps extra data links active
Apple describes a method for smartphones to switch between cell towers without dropping their secondary data connection. The phone checks if its security keys still work after moving to a new tower, allowing it to keep using both connections for faster speeds.
In the filing’s own words
Techniques for a primary node change while keeping secondary node for enhanced mobility are provided. An example method includes a user equipment (UE) receiving, from a current serving cell of a primary node (PN), primary security information that enables the UE to be in dual connectivity mode with the PN and a secondary node (SN). The UE can detect an intra-PN change from the current serving cell to a new serving cell of the PN. The UE can detect that the primary security information remains usable for the UE to remain in the dual connectivity mode with the PN the SN. The UE can remain, while the UE sends data to the new serving cell and the SN, connected with the SN by at least continuing to use the primary security information.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1 - 20. (canceled)
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- PRIMARY NODE CHANGE WHILE KEEPING CANDIDATE SECONDARY NODES FOR ENHANCED MOBILITY
- Publication number
- US20260292605A1
- Application number
- 19472631
- Filed
- Apr 5, 2023
- Published
- Sep 24, 2026
- Inventors
- 9
- Claims
- 21
Classified under
H04W 36/0038 Electricity & electronicsH04W 12/0431 Electricity & electronicsH04W 36/0069 Electricity & electronicsH04W 36/08 Electricity & electronicsH04W 76/20 Electricity & electronicsMore from Apple in Networks & wireless
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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.