Today is World Wi-Fi Day. It is an initiative organized by Wireless Broadband Alliance, whose mission is to enable collaboration among service providers, tech firms and non-governmental organizations to achieve a seamless and interoperable experience.
I said in August that public and open Wi-Fi connections can be risky, especially if provided by untrustworthy sources.
In 2020, the WBA introduced OpenRoaming, a framework to connect billions of users and things to millions of Wi-Fi networks globally.
So, wouldn't it be nice to connect devices to a trusted public Wi-Fi network quickly, automatically and securely?
This week I want to examine OpenRoaming - a service led by the WBA that will be transformatory by delivering seamless and secure Wi-Fi everywhere.
OpenRoaming has been a new way to automatically connect mobile devices to a secure Wi-Fi network ensuring a seamless experience for both network providers and end-users. It does so by leveraging a federation of identity and access providers, brought together via the WBA, to provide secure roaming between cellular and Wi-Fi.
It solves some of the challenges we face as a connected society. Much like device roaming on a cellular network, it enables a seamless connection to a secure WiFi network without the need to enter a username and password.
In a nutshell, it brings together a federation of networks and identity providers, allowing users to join any network managed by a federation member.
Companies who join OpenRoaming provide assurances that their networks automatically interoperate between each other to deliver an automatic and secure connected Wi-Fi experience.
Enabled networks can automatically onboard users securely by using established identity providers such as mobile operators, cloud IDs and loyalty membership.
The framework encompasses three key elements to establish open connectivity.
First, a cloud federation is created. OpenRoaming enables automatic roaming and user onboarding on Wi-Fi. It defines an automated roaming consortium code framework to support policy provision on devices and networks.
In parallel, OpenRoaming enables firms to accelerate and scale Wi-Fi roaming relationships. Only companies that manage a Wi-Fi Certified Passpoint-enabled network may become part of the federation.
By joining, this will help firms build a reputation as a safe and reliable business.
Second, network automation protocol is defined. Users will not need to go through the multistep process of activating a profile on their device or take the risk of joining a not-trusted open network.
Devices are pre-enabled to connect to OpenRoaming networks automatically and securely. This allows users to access a secure internet connection without a profile-activation process.
Third, cyber security is protected. OpenRoaming allows automatic and secure roaming among millions of networks, nationally and globally, with secured interconnection and encrypted communications.
It offers secure device authentication with an encrypted connection so all users can be assured their information is safe. It does not have a cumbersome profile installation that can deter guests, so businesses can expect an increased Wi-Fi attachment rate and improved customer experience.
This year, Cisco estimates 71 percent of 5G mobile traffic will be offloaded to Wi-Fi hotspots to keep devices connected with reduced cellular network congestion at a more affordable cost.
With OpenRoaming, I see a lot of synergies between 5G and Wi-Fi to power new opportunities for broadband connectivity when an operator gives guest Wi-Fi services to industries such as travel, retail and hospitality. Businesses can boost loyalty programs, drive sales about limited time offer or the last chance to buy, and rake in good revenues.
Dr Jolly Wong is a policy fellow at the Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge
