METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR PROVIDING NEW ACCESS STRATUM AS KEY DURING INTER-CELL HANDOVER

摘要

Systems and methodologies are described that handle security activation during handover in a wireless network. A new access stratum (AS) key can be provided to a serving access point (and a related wireless device) before and/or while preparing a target access point during an inter-cell handover. The serving access point can receive the new AS key and provide it to the target access point as part of handover preparation. The serving access point can then initiate inter-cell handover of the related wireless device indicating that the wireless device can utilize a new AS key before the serving access point has an opportunity to activate the new AS key with the wireless device. The wireless device can subsequently perform a random access procedure to the target access point and/or establish a connection therewith by transmitting other messages using the new AS key.