In this era of technology, staying connected has become a priority. Yet, there is a common challenge that most of us face: limitations in our network access, keeping us from connecting to certain private networks. A specific instance of this issue arises when an individual has access to a company or university's private network, but cannot connect to the same entity’s other networks, in different locations. The problem is reflected in the daily life, for example, when a student of a university can connect to their university's private network in one city but is unable to access the same network in the university's other branch in another city.
But there's bewitching news from Apple Inc. The tech powerhouse has recently obtained patent number US20230319700A1, aimed towards addressing these issues by allowing devices such as iPhones and iPads to connect to non-public (private) communication networks.
According to the patent, a mechanism has been proposed that allows mobile devices to roam private networks. It is a significant step in broadening the limits of network access. The mechanism furnishes these devices with an updated list of networks that are similar to the home network. If the device identifies such a network, it can automatically connect to it. It enables devices to connect to a broad range of private networks.
Visualizing the path ahead, it would thereby resolve location-based network access issues, particularly in cases of multi-branch entities like companies or universities. For instance, students would have seamless access to their university's network regardless of whether they are on the main campus or a branch location. This development promises enriched connectivity and broader network access.
There are certain provisos attached to this innovation. As attractive as the concept may seem, it's crucial to note that this is an admitted patent. Its real-world application and commercial feasibility are subject to further development and suitability factors. It could take us into a new era of highly sophisticated network access or it could just add to the list of patents that never made it to our devices. The future is totally unpredictable.
P.S: Details and examples mentioned in this article are based on the published patent, and we aren’t sure whether the technology will appear in the market or not. It's a patent, after all, not a product - yet.