Resource Centre

Wi-Fi Experience for Moving Networks

In today’s connected world, reliable Wi-Fi is essential, even on the go. The “Wi-Fi Experience for Moving Networks” report delves into the critical need to improve Wi-Fi connectivity in dynamic environments such as buses, trains, planes, and ships. These moving networks face unique challenges, from fluctuating connectivity to security concerns, that require tailored solutions.

Key Insights:

• Challenges in Moving Networks: The report identifies key issues such as inconsistent service quality, handover difficulties, security risks, and the complexities of deploying Wi-Fi in moving vehicles.
• Innovative Solutions: It offers practical solutions like implementing advanced standards (Passpoint®), improving network transitions, enhancing security, and ensuring service continuity even during disruptions.
• Practical Use Cases: Detailed use cases demonstrate how to streamline Wi-Fi connectivity, enhance user engagement through landing pages, offer tiered service models, and maintain continuous connectivity throughout a journey.
• Industry Benefits: By adopting these strategies, the Wi-Fi industry can improve passenger experiences, reduce operational costs, increase revenue opportunities, and stay ahead of technological advancements.

The WBA invites industry stakeholders, including infrastructure providers, airlines, train and bus operators, and mobile device manufacturers, to participate in trials aimed at addressing these challenges and exploring next-generation Wi-Fi technologies.

Download the full report now to explore actionable insights and strategies to optimize connectivity in moving networks and drive business success.

For organizations eager to share relevant use cases and learning, we encourage you to reach out to the WBA Program Management Office (PMO) with this form. Be part of shaping the future of Wi-Fi.

WBA Access Network Metrics – Phase 1

The WBA Access Network Metrics Working Group is dedicated to crafting a framework that effectively communicates the Quality of Experience (QoE) of Wi-Fi access networks to stakeholders. This encompasses mobile operators using commercial cellular offload, participants in roaming consortiums like WBA OpenRoaming™, users of settlement-free Passpoint services, and enterprises that need reliable connections to third-party Wi-Fi networks.

This ‘Access Network Metrics’ report initiates the first phase, assessing the need for access network metrics and proposing methods essential for capturing data to evaluate networks, leveraging key indicators to quantify network performance.

The paper emphasizes the need for clear QoE evidence and identifies use cases that enhance the experience for both users and providers. It outlines crucial metrics and provides a roadmap for advancing this initiative with the necessary calculations and data communication methods. The report delves into standard Wi-Fi metrics and offers advice on how Wi-Fi devices can leverage detailed QoE metrics for smarter roaming choices, thus improving both user satisfaction and provider performance. It addresses the challenges present in current Wi-Fi networks, reaffirms the value of explicit QoE evidence, and demonstrates the advantages for users and providers. The research specifies essential metrics and introduces a framework for assessing and sharing Wi-Fi network quality, aiming to foster a more dependable and efficient Wi-Fi future.

The working group is now embarking on Phase 2, focusing on industry alignment regarding how applications become aware of network QoS. Notably, 3GPP has introduced a Network Exposure Function (NEF) that allows an application function to receive notifications about analytics related to user data congestion, network performance, QoS sustainability, and service experience. Phase 2 will explore the potential reuse and/or adaptation of 3GPP NEF-based approaches to support the Wi-Fi use cases identified.

WBA Membership Brochure 2024-25

Wi-Fi HaLow for IoT Field Trials Report

Building on the successful real-world applications of Phase 1 of the Wi-Fi HaLow  for IoT project across multiple sectors, which demonstrated deployed IEEE 802.11ah Wi-Fi HaLow ability to provide reliable, long-range, low-power connectivity, making it an ideal solution for a variety of IoT scenarios.

The “Wi-Fi HaLow for IoT: Field Trials Report” demonstrated the effectiveness of IEEE 802.11ah Wi-Fi HaLow, which provides reliable, long-range, and low-power connectivity across diverse IoT scenarios. Notably, the trials were conducted in the United States, showcasing the technology’s scalability and efficiency in dense urban areas and large industrial settings.

This comprehensive report details significant enhancements in range, material penetration, battery life, device density, security, installation, management, and data throughput compared to existing Wi-Fi standards. Application use cases tested include Smart Home, Warehousing, Smart Farm, Smart City, Smart Office Building, Smart School Campus, and Smart Industrial Complex, focusing on large-scale implementations and the challenges posed by different environments.

The WBA now invites industry players from EMEA and APAC to engage in the upcoming Phase 3 trials, aiming to further explore and expand the capabilities of Wi-Fi HaLow technology in diverse environments and applications.

For organizations eager to share relevant use cases and learning, we encourage you to reach out to the WBA Program Management Office (PMO) with this form. Be part of shaping the future of Wi-Fi.

RADIUS Accounting Assurance Industry Framework

Discover the transformative potential of accurate RADIUS accounting with our latest report, “RADIUS Accounting Assurance Industry Framework.” Developed by the WBA members, this comprehensive framework addresses critical challenges in RADIUS accounting practices, vital for network management and Wi-Fi roaming.

Why RADIUS Accounting Matters

Since its inception in 1997, RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial In User Service) accounting remains crucial for monitoring data usage across network access servers. As network technologies advance and demand for seamless connectivity grows, the accuracy of RADIUS accounting data is pivotal for operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

With a particular focus on Wi-Fi networks and roaming scenarios, the report highlights the need for accurate data usage tracking to ensure effective billing, analytics, and settlement processes.

Highlights and Benefits:

• Enhanced Data Accuracy: Implement standardized methodologies for detecting and correcting errors to ensure precise data reporting and billing.
• Reduced Financial Discrepancies: Address billing errors and financial disputes, especially critical in Wi-Fi roaming scenarios.
• Improved Interoperability: Promote seamless integration across diverse network equipment, enhancing system compatibility and functionality.
• Industry Best Practices: Access expert insights on standardized methods to detect, report, and handle inaccuracies for reliable data handling.
• Collaborative Efforts: Learn about initiatives led by the WBA’s Roaming Work Group and the integration into the Wireless Roaming Intermediary eXchange (WRIX) framework to unify and enhance RADIUS data management.
• Informed Decision Making: Use accurate data to make informed choices about network management, strategic planning, and capacity management.

The framework is an ongoing project, open to participation from industry stakeholders aiming to refine and enhance the reliability of RADIUS accounting. We invite industry players to join this collaborative effort to implement the proposed improvements and benefit from shared expertise, thus enhancing its effectiveness and industry acceptance.

For more information or to participate in upcoming projects, contact the WBA Program Management Office at pmo@wballiance.com.

Wireless Global Congress Americas 2024 (Dallas) Day 2 – June 13, 2024

The full replay of day 2 of WGC Americas in Dallas, held on June 13, 2024. For more information on WBA’s events, visit https://www.wirelessglobalcongress.com/

Wireless Global Congress Americas 2024 (Dallas) Day 1 – June 12, 2024

The full replay of day 1 of WGC Americas in Dallas, held on June 12, 2024. For more information on WBA’s events, visit https://www.wirelessglobalcongress.com/

Venue Requirements for User Engagement

The “Venue Requirements for User Engagement” report provides essential insights into optimizing user engagement and revenue opportunities in public Wi-Fi deployment. It emphasizes understanding user needs and leveraging technologies like OpenRoaming™ and Passpoint® to enhance connectivity and user experiences.

By prioritizing user engagement, businesses can reduce costs, increase revenue streams, ensure regulatory compliance, gain a competitive advantage, and facilitate Wi-Fi roaming. This comprehensive guide equips industry stakeholders with best practices to improve overall user experiences and drive business success in the dynamic landscape of public Wi-Fi provision.

The report underscores the critical need for industry stakeholders to prioritize user engagement in Wi-Fi network design and operation. By understanding and addressing the requirements of both venues and users, businesses can enhance the overall user experience, reduce costs, and unlock new revenue opportunities.

The benefits for operators and venues that improve user engagement include:

• Cost Reduction & Cost Control: Implementing efficient onboarding processes and standardized interfaces can help reduce the costs associated with managing and maintaining Wi-Fi networks, especially for venues with high user traffic.
• Increased Revenue Opportunities: By offering seamless and engaging user experiences, venues can attract more users, leading to potential revenue streams through advertising, pay-as-you-go models, or partnerships with third parties and roaming services.
• Regulatory Compliance: Understanding and implementing best practices for user engagement can help industry players comply with regulatory requirements related to user privacy, data protection, and network security.
• Competitive Advantage: Industry players that excel in user engagement and provide a seamless Wi-Fi experience can gain a competitive edge in the market, attracting more customers and partners.
• Wi-Fi roaming: Facilitated by the WBA’s OpenRoaming Federation, Wi-Fi roaming offers venues a valuable revenue stream and enhanced user experience. It simplifies Wi-Fi connectivity for users, ensuring secure network access and increasing customer satisfaction. Roaming can also be a form of user exchange, allowing seamless connectivity across partnerships, enriching and simplifying the user experience.

To organizations keen on sharing relevant use cases and insights on Wi-Fi, we invite you to connect with the WBA Program Management Office (PMO) at pmo@wballiance.com

PKI Certificate Policy Document

The WBA WRIX architecture, pivotal in supporting Wi-Fi roaming, leverages RadSec/TLS to enhance the security of RADIUS exchanges traditionally secured by IPSec VPN. This new method replaces outdated IP address identification and shared MD5 secrets with a more robust trust model using X.509 certificates. Benefits of transitioning to RadSec/TLS include automated security, improved reliability, and better management of timeouts and fragmentation due to the use of TCP over UDP.

This PKI Certificate Policy document outlines the overarching framework of WBA WRIX PKI, addressing the business, legal, and technical guidelines. It details the use and assurance levels of PKI certificates, obligations of Certification Authorities (CAs), compliance requirements, and identity verification processes. The policy also covers certificate lifecycle management, operational security, audit logging, disaster recovery, and security protocols for physical and logical infrastructure. Additional provisions include content guidelines for Certificate profiles and Certificate Revocation Lists (CRL), as well as related agreements like the Digital Certificate Authorization Agreement (DCAA) and Root CA Hosting Agreement, ensuring a uniform level of trust across the WBA WRIX system.

For more information regarding the WBA PKI Certificate Policy document, please contact pki@wballiance.com or pmo@wballiance.com

Pioneering Connectivity: Loughborough University’s OpenRoaming™ Journey

Learn How OpenRoaming is Transforming Connectivity in the Education Sector

Loughborough University, a leading UK institution renowned for its sports programs, is home to over 40 research bodies and centers across 18 academic departments in Leicestershire, England. Since 2023, the University has been at the forefront of the Wi-Fi revolution, implementing OpenRoaming™ to enhance its vast campus network. With a history dating back to 1909, Loughborough University has consistently adopted advanced technology to improve the experiences of its diverse community and international visitors.

The adoption of WBA OpenRoaming is pivotal in its digital transformation efforts, highlighting the growing necessity for robust and secure connectivity solutions in today’s technology-driven educational environments.

Discover the Benefits of OpenRoaming Now

Learn from Loughborough University’s successful deployment of OpenRoaming. Find out how you can join the WBA OpenRoaming initiative and bring seamless, secure Wi-Fi to your educational institution. Enhance your connectivity infrastructure with proven solutions and expert insights.

Download the Case Study and Join WBA OpenRoaming to start transforming your campus network today.