Samsung patents faster satellite handovers for mobile devices
Samsung has filed a patent for a method that allows mobile devices to switch between satellite base stations without a standard connection check. The system sends specific timing and configuration data to the device so it can immediately start transmitting data to the new satellite. This process helps maintain a stable link when moving between satellite coverage areas.
In the filing’s own words
The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for performing a random access channel (RACH)-less handover in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), the method and apparatus being for a first NTN base station in a wireless communication system, and comprising the steps of: determining, for a terminal, a RACH-less handover to a second NTN base station; obtaining, from the second NTN base station, configuration information relating to the RACH-less handover; and transmitting, to the terminal, a radio resource control (RRC) reset message comprising the configuration information and timing information applicable to the second NTN base station, wherein whether a timing control value for the second NTN base station is the same as a timing control value for the first NTN base station is indicated by the timing information, and a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission from the terminal to the second NTN base station is performed on the basis of the timing information and the configuration information.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A method performed by a first non-terrestrial network (NTN) base station in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: determining a random access channel (RACH)-less handover to a second NTN base station for a terminal; obtaining, from the second NTN base station, configuration information associated with the RACH-less handover; and transmitting, to the terminal, a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration message including the configuration information and timing information applied to the second NTN base station, wherein whether a timing adjustment value for the second NTN base station is equal to a timing adjustment value for the first NTN base station is indicated by the timing information, wherein physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission from the terminal to the second NTN base station is performed based on the timing information and the configuration information.
Facts
- Company
- Samsung (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
- Official title
- METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING RANDOM ACCESS-LESS HANDOVER IN NTN SYSTEM
- Publication number
- US20260313486A1
- Application number
- 19472053
- Filed
- Mar 29, 2024
- Published
- Oct 8, 2026
- Inventors
- 3
- Claims
- 15
Classified under
H04W 36/00725 Electricity & electronicsH04W 36/083 Electricity & electronicsMore from Samsung in Networks & wireless
- Samsung patents UWB method to save power while tracking distance Sep 1, 2026
- Samsung patents system to keep satellite calls connected as satellites move Sep 1, 2026
- Samsung patents low-power IoT tags that reply without precise clocks Sep 1, 2026
- Samsung patents phone feature that switches networks to fix slow connections Sep 1, 2026
- Samsung patents satellite phone method for switching between signal types Sep 1, 2026
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.