AWT News Update: March 31, 2015

Today is World Backup Day! Our stories today include:

• Some quick hints on backing up both your iOS and OS X devices
• Google releases a Google Maps April Fools’ Day prank a day early
• Apple is now accepting Apple Watch app updates from any and all developers
• Apple hires an ex-Dolby executive vice president to join the company

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However, there are drawbacks. Femtocells utilize the broadband connection, which may also be used for other applications such as video streaming. There can be problems when the provider of the broadband service differs from the mobile network provider. It’s also possible that in a crowded environment, such as an apartment building, there could be interference between femtocells.

Apple’s patent is for a system and method of enabling a mobile device to communicate with a local IP network host and an external IP network host using a femto cellular access point on a femto cellular access network. The invention would provide a method and system for allowing multiple devices that are coupled through a femto cell, such as user equipment and network terminal devices, to communicate with each other while the user equipment is located within the femto cell or while the user equipment is located outside the femto cell. 

The invention also allows the user equipment to communicate with home-based devices, such as data storage devices, printing devices or other devices. According to Apple’s patent, the femto cellular access network includes an LTE network, an EVDO network connected to an EPC, or a WiMax 802.16e/m network connected to the EPC.

Apple says that various structures are located within the area served by a large cell tower may obstruct, reflect or otherwise interfere with the wireless signals. Poor reception is associated with inferior quality of service by the mobile user.

Apple says that what is needed are systems and methods of allowing multiple devices, such as cellular and network devices, that are located within a femtocell area to communicate with each other while the user equipment is located within the femtocell or while the user equipment is located outside the femto cell. Apple adds that, additionally, what is desired are systems and methods of allowing the user equipment to communicate with home-based devices, such as data storage devices, printing devices or other devices.