With at least some models of the upcoming “iPhone 12” and next gen iPad Pro (and hopefully down the line, Macs) expected to sport 5G connectivity, Apple has been granted a patent (number 10,716,157) for 5G /LTE dual connectivity.
The patent involves the ability for the company’s devices to establish and maintain concurrent connections with current radio access technologies and next generation radio access technologies. Apple notes that wireless communication systems are rapidly growing in usage. The tech giant wants its devices to use the latest technology while still being able to take advantage of current tech.
Here’s the summary of the invention: “Apparatuses, systems, and methods to perform attachment of a wireless device to substantially concurrent connections with a next generation network node and a legacy network node. The wireless device may be configured to transmit a request to attach to a first network node operating according to the first RAT and transmit an indication that the wireless device is capable of maintaining substantially concurrent connections with the first network node and a second network node that operates according to the second RAT.
“The wireless device may also be configured transmit a request to attach to the second network node. The request may include an indication that the wireless device is capable of maintaining substantially concurrent connections with the first and second network nodes. Further, the wireless device may be configured to receive an indication that dual connectivity with the first and second network nodes has been established.”
