Apple patents network switch that splits data between cell and Wi-Fi
Apple describes a method for devices to tell a network they can handle data over both cellular and non-cellular connections like Wi-Fi. The system uses these connections to steer, switch, or split internet traffic and Ethernet data based on specific settings.
In the filing’s own words
Systems and methods are configured to perform operations comprising sending an indication of a set of parameter values associated with multi-access traffic steering, switching and splitting (ATSSS) functionality, the set of parameter values representing support for multi-path quick user datagram protocol internet connections (MPQUIC) for internet protocol traffic, for Ethernet traffic, or for both the internet protocol traffic and Ethernet traffic; and performing a communication using at least one of steering, switching, or splitting functionality between a cellular network and a non-cellular network using IP packets, Ethernet frames, or both the IP packets and the Ethernet frames.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A method comprising: sending a set of parameter values associated with multi-access traffic steering, switching and splitting (ATSSS) functionality, the set of parameter values representing support for multi-path quick user datagram protocol internet connections (MPQUIC) for internet protocol traffic, for Ethernet traffic, or for both the internet protocol traffic and Ethernet traffic; and performing a communication using at least one of steering, switching, or splitting functionality between a cellular network and a non-cellular network using IP packets, Ethernet frames, or both the IP packets and the Ethernet frames.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- Enhancements to Multi-Access Steering, Switching, and Spitting in Communication Networks
- Publication number
- US20260332517A1
- Application number
- 19465616
- Filed
- Jan 30, 2026
- Published
- Oct 22, 2026
- Inventors
- 2
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
H04L 45/247 Electricity & electronicsH04L 47/19 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.