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ApplePatent applicationNetworks & wirelessInterest 3/10

Apple patents cellular setup where phones talk directly to multiple network servers

Patent drawing
Patent drawing from the official filing.

Apple describes a method for cellular devices to create separate, direct connections to different parts of the mobile network's core. Instead of routing all data through a single central point, the phone maintains multiple independent links to specific network functions. This allows the device to send signaling directly to various network components simultaneously.

Why it mattersThis architecture could help mobile networks handle traffic more efficiently by reducing bottlenecks at central network hubs.

In the filing’s own words

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for supporting a distributed non-access stratum (NAS) architecture, e.g., in cellular systems. A UE (and/or a processor of a UE) may establish, between the UE and a network node, a wireless connection to support communication with a core network, e.g., communication with one or more network functions of the core network. The UE may establish a direct NAS layer connection with at least two network functions of a plurality of network functions of the core network, e.g., the at least two network functions may each have a corresponding direct NAS layer connection with the UE. In addition, the UE may exchange signaling with the at least two network functions via the corresponding direct NAS layer connection. Thus, the corresponding direct NAS layer connection may be one of a plurality of direct NAS layer connections between the UE and the core network.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: establishing, with at least two network functions of a plurality of network functions of a core network, a corresponding direct non-access stratum (NAS) layer connection; and sending, via a network node, signaling to the at least two network functions of the plurality of network functions via the corresponding direct NAS layer connections.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
Distributed NAS Architecture
Publication number
US20260313721A1
Application number
19481530
Filed
Jun 14, 2024
Published
Oct 8, 2026
Inventors
4
Claims
21

Classified under

H04W 76/10 Electricity & electronicsH04W 12/06 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.