Apple recently submitted a regulatory document on low-power network adapters to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The document states that this private network adapter is only for internal use.
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This document was released during the routine update of the FCC database and covers low-power Wi-Fi transmitters operating below 1GHz. In fact, this may mean that it uses the 802.11ah protocol for IoT applications.
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Although most of the documents in this document are hidden under confidentiality agreements, the regulatory label is marked with the code name “Meerkat” and model A2282. The current code or product number is not associated with existing Apple products.
According to the Type A certification provided in the document, this device is a “proprietary network adapter”. It’s intended to be used in factories, offices, and Apple Store, and not sold to consumers. The document also states that the purpose of the device is to “optimize the identification or addition of trusted devices for security purposes.”
Based on this information, it appears that the device is like some type of IoT security or authentication system. They are often used in Apple offices and internally. Like consumer products, Apple also requires authorization for internal devices, such as the proprietary access pass reading system disclosed in the 2017 FCC file.