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ApplePatent applicationNetworks & wirelessInterest 6/10

Apple patents seamless phone handovers for satellite networks

Apple has filed a patent for a method to switch a phone's connection between different satellite or high-altitude network points without dropping the call. The system checks the location and status of nearby network nodes to manage the transition smoothly.

Why it mattersThis technology could help maintain stable connections for users relying on satellite or non-terrestrial internet services, which are becoming more common for remote coverage.

In the filing’s own words

A network device including a transceiver operable to receive data from a user equipment (UE) and a processor is disclosed. The processor is configured to identify a set of one or more target network devices in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). The set of one or more target network devices is within a predetermined proximity to a serving network device of the UE in the NTN. The processor is configured to determine a set of one or more characteristics of the set of one or more target network devices and the serving network device, and in accordance with the set of one or more characteristics of the set of one or more target network devices and the service network device, configure a dual active protocol stack (DAPS) handover of the UE between the serving network device and a target network device of the set of one or more target network devices.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An apparatus comprising memory coupled to a processor, the processor configured to: identify a set of one or more target network devices in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), the set of one or more target network devices within a predetermined proximity to a serving network device of a user equipment (UE) in the NTN; determine a set of one or more characteristics of the set of one or more target network devices and the serving network device; in accordance with the set of one or more characteristics of the set of one or more target network devices and the service network device, configure a dual active protocol stack (DAPS) handover of the UE between the serving network device and a target network device of the set of one or more target network devices.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
METHODS OF A DUAL ACTIVE PROTOCOL STACK (DAPS) HANDOVER OF A UE BETWEEN A SERVING CELL AND A TARGET CELL IN A NON-TERRESTRIAL NETWORK
Publication number
US20260292637A1
Application number
19472460
Filed
Apr 4, 2023
Published
Sep 24, 2026
Inventors
6
Claims
20

Classified under

H04W 36/185 Electricity & electronicsH04B 7/18541 Electricity & electronicsH04B 7/19 Electricity & electronicsH04W 36/0058 Electricity & electronicsH04W 36/008355 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.