Enabling Secure Wi-Fi Access: The Federated Onboarding Service (FOS) and OpenRoaming Transform Connectivity
As the senior solution architect at GlobalReach Technology, with over two decades of experience in Wi-Fi technology, I have had the privilege of leading the Federated Onboarding Service (FOS) project within the World Broadband Alliance (WBA). In this role, I co-lead the “Venue Requirements for User Engagement” working group and the “Wi-Fi Experience for Moving Networks” group. Additionally, I was appointed as the co-chair of the NextGen Working Group in April 2023. My primary objective has been to ensure that Wi-Fi networks transition seamlessly from captive portals to Passpoint implementations, enabling users to have consistent and hassle-free experiences.
Empowering Seamless Wi-Fi Connectivity with FOS and OpenRoaming
The Federated Onboarding Service (FOS) was specifically designed to bridge the gap between networks and user devices, empowering network operators and users with the freedom to choose their preferred identity provider for OpenRoaming™ networks. OpenRoaming simplifies the Wi-Fi connection process by eliminating the need for users to find and connect to specific SSIDs or provide personal information when accessing Wi-Fi networks at various venues.
One of the significant advantages of FOS is its ability to lower the barriers for non-smartphone device/OS vendors to adopt Passpoint™-based solutions. By leveraging FOS, these vendors can offer OpenRoaming service provision without operating their own identity service. Furthermore, FOS grants users the flexibility to choose their preferred identity service provider for OpenRoaming, enhancing user autonomy and accessibility.
Another critical benefit of the Federated Onboarding Service is that it eliminates the dependency for each identity provider (IDP) to develop its own onboarding solution. FOS provides a framework that IDPs can plug into, allowing them to offer a streamlined device configuration process without the need to develop and maintain their own onboarding service. This simplifies the implementation process for IDPs and ensures a consistent and efficient onboarding experience for users across different operating systems.
FOS Benefits for OpenRoaming Participants: Enhanced Connectivity & Streamlined Onboarding
For OpenRoaming participants, FOS offers several advantages. Firstly, it enables more users to connect to OpenRoaming networks, resulting in an expanded user base for network operators. Additionally, participants can promote the FOS service in their marketing materials, allowing users to sign up for device profiles in advance. This pre-configuration enables users to automatically connect to the network upon arrival, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free Wi-Fi experience.
FOS serves as a complementary solution to existing application-based market offerings. While not all venue operators have mobile apps that can be updated to provide an in-app onboarding experience, FOS offers a web-based service for device configuration. This allows smaller venues and network operators to expedite the path to market for configuring users’ devices for OpenRoaming, providing a faster and more convenient solution.
Transforming Wi-Fi Connectivity: GlobalReach Technology’s Comprehensive Solutions and the Federated Onboarding Service
GlobalReach Technology’s technology provides wireless ISP services and solutions that address the challenges associated with onboarding Wi-Fi devices to large-scale guest networks. With a rich history of providing Wi-Fi authentication services across a massive range of vertical industry operating environments, GlobalReach Technology has a reputation for excellence, with customer deployments on land, at sea, in the air and underground. Its Wi-Fi management platform, Trusted WiFi cloud Wi-Fi platform, and Passpoint provisioning services offer a range of hardware-agnostic products tailored to major operating systems. Additionally, GlobalReach Technology can deliver custom solutions for complex customer needs such as its partnerships with satellite providers, ensuring seamless device onboarding experiences.
The FOS opens up exciting business opportunities for its members while addressing long-overdue Wi-Fi challenges in the industry. Members can swiftly and easily offer OpenRoaming onboarding services, leveraging the power of Passpoint technology. As OpenRoaming gains traction, users will experience enhanced security and seamless connectivity on Passpoint networks, making the Federated Onboarding Service a pivotal driver in expanding OpenRoaming adoption.
Looking ahead, the most pressing challenge facing the Wi-Fi industry is the complexity of device-level onboarding for end users. To ensure the success of Passpoint and OpenRoaming, it is crucial to simplify device configuration, providing a quick and straightforward process across all operating systems. GlobalReach Technology will continue collaborating with device and OS vendors, as well as the WBA’s project groups, to advocate for a more consistent onboarding experience. By overcoming these challenges, all users can benefit from the improved security and seamless connectivity that Passpoint and OpenRoaming bring.
Revolutionizing Wi-Fi Connectivity
FOS represents a major breakthrough in expediting Wi-Fi connectivity. FOS effectively tackles the challenges associated with inconsistent user experiences and reliance on individual identity providers, thereby establishing a smoother and more accessible Wi-Fi network environment. GlobalReach Technology’s continued leadership in Passpoint and OpenRoaming advancements positions them to seize exciting prospects for transforming the Wi-Fi industry, ensuring uninterrupted and secure connectivity for users across the globe.
Interested in delving deeper into the impacts of FOS on the industry? Stay tuned, as our comprehensive whitepaper is on the verge of being unveiled. Secure your spot by registering with our resource center today, and you’ll be among the first to receive the latest updates once it’s released.
