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Operator Managed Wi-Fi: Reference Architecture and Requirements
Overview of the OMWi Reference Architecture
Introduced by the WBA in 2023, the Operator Managed Wi-Fi (OMWi) reference architecture was developed in collaboration with industry leaders, including major ISPs, open-source communities, and hardware and software vendors, to meet the growing demand for a comprehensive, standardized and interoperable reference for residential Wi-Fi.
Phase 2 Developments: Expanding Scope and Implementation
In 2024, OMWi advanced to Phase 2, expanding its scope with enhanced technical and operational requirements and introducing open-source, OMWi-compliant implementations from partners such as the prpl Foundation,and RDK-B. This updated technical report delivers a comprehensive framework for deploying and managing residential Wi-Fi, addressing global operator needs through the integration of key standards and open-source platforms. It defines a standardized reference architecture that streamlines Wi-Fi management by unifying data collection, network configuration, and optimization processes across systems, reducing dependence on fragmented, proprietary solutions.
The OMWi architecture integrates key industry standards, including Wi-Fi Alliance’s Wi-Fi EasyMesh™, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Data Elements™, and Broadband Forum’s User Services Platform (USP) Data Models TR-369 and TR-181. These standards collectively ensure that the architecture is scalable and interoperable, guiding operators in engaging with equipment vendors on shared specifications.
Looking Ahead to Phase 3
In Phase 3, expected to begin in 2025, WBA plans to launch a compliance program that will include an expanded telemetry component and an endorsed testing suite. This suite will offer a self-service test kit or authorized lab testing, providing vendors and service providers with an accessible path to OMWi certification. Certified organizations can assure customers of consistent, reliable functionality across OMWi-compliant networks, solidifying OMWi as an industry standard.
Reach out to the WBA Program Management Office (PMO) with this form. Be part of shaping the future of Wi-Fi.
OpenRoaming for IoT – FIDO Device Onboarding Framework
The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) and the FIDO Alliance have joined forces to integrate FIDO Device Onboard (FDO) and WBA OpenRoamingTM technologies. This collaboration aims to create a seamless and secure onboarding process for Internet of Things (IoT) Wi-Fi devices, paralleling the simplicity and security of traditional Wi-Fi device onboarding using OpenRoaming. The OpenRoaming for IoT – FIDO Device Onboarding Framework report details how these technologies work together to simplify and secure the onboarding process for IoT devices.
The integration between OpenRoaming and FDO is a significant milestone in the realm of Wi-Fi device onboarding, and addresses critical challenges of large-scale IoT deployments by providing a secure, scalable, and automated solution. By automating the onboarding process, this allows headless and other pre-configured FDO IoT devices to be onboarded straight out of the box using OpenRoaming, it can then receive new OpenRoaming credentials, allowing it to connect via OpenRoaming permanently, or receive credentials to connect to a private Wi-Fi network for a permanent connection.
By combining OpenRoaming and FDO, the framework facilitates efficient, zero-touch device onboarding, ensuring a streamlined and secure experience for both users and network providers. This integration is a landmark achievement in Wi-Fi device onboarding, addressing key challenges in the industry and establishing a new standard for device deployment.
Key Benefits:
- Zero-touch, secure onboarding: Automates device onboarding, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring secure authentication.
- OpenRoaming and FDO integration: Describes how pre-configured OpenRoaming and FDO credentials enable seamless device connectivity across networks.
- Alternative network environments: Covers complex deployments and provisioning challenges.
- Supply chain security: Ensures device security through ownership vouchers and cryptographic mechanisms.
The OpenRoaming for IoT – FIDO Device Onboarding Framework sets a new standard for secure and efficient IoT device deployments by automating onboarding and enhancing security. This framework paves the way for widespread industry adoption, promoting cross-industry collaboration and enabling a broad range of industries to benefit from improved operational efficiency and strengthened security across their IoT networks.
Enrollment Criteria for WBA E2E QoS Trials Phase 1: Enhancing QoS over Wi-Fi Links
The document outlines the enrollment criteria for the WBA E2E (End-to-End) QoS (Quality of Service) Trials, specifically focusing on Phase 1, which aims to enhance QoS over Wi-Fi links. Learn more about WBA E2E QoS Project.
Join the E2E QoS Trials – Phase 1: Improving QoS over Wi-Fi Links
As we look forward to 2024, the WBA invites industry players to join the Wireless Broadband Alliance and become integral participants in the E2E Wi-Fi QoS program. This phase is dedicated to enhancing Quality of Service over Wi-Fi links. Our upcoming initiatives include completing the test plan, initiating trials, and unveiling Deployment Guidelines. Additionally, we will concentrate on consolidating efforts, crafting guidelines for deployment, and delving into Low Latency Services (L4S) to cater to applications with low latency requirements.
For organizations eager to engage in this exciting project, we encourage you to reach out to the WBA Program Management Office (PMO) at pmo@wballiance.com. Be part of shaping the future of Wi-Fi.
Get Ready for Wi-Fi 7- Applying New Capabilities to the Key Use Cases
- Double the bandwidth and three times the speed of Wi-Fi 6
- Advanced support for latency-sensitive use cases
Operator Managed Wi-Fi Reference Architecture and Requirements
With the increasing prevalence of Wi-Fi as the primary method of internet connectivity, the term “Wi-Fi” has become synonymous with the internet itself. Consequently, users perceive their internet quality of experience (QoE) as synonymous with Wi-Fi QoE. Users no longer differentiate between Wi-Fi service and internet service, expecting their Wi-Fi issues to be resolved by their internet service provider (ISP). This shift has turned Wi-Fi into a managed service, specifically managed by the operator, hence the term “operator-managed.”
This is WBA’s first document on operator-managed Wi-Fi, and it is anticipated that later phases of work will expand the scope of the requirements hereby defined.
The technical paper, “Operator Managed Wi-Fi: Reference Architecture and Requirements” outlines a new operator-managed Wi-Fi (OMWi) reference architecture. The proposed framework will combine multiple available standards to streamline Wi-Fi data collection, Wi-Fi management, configuration, and optimization of home networks, simplifying the analysis and decision-making process for carriers.
This paper represents the first phase of that journey, presenting an operator-managed Wi-Fi reference architecture that combines the benefits of all available standards, including Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) Wi-Fi EasyMesh™, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Data Elements™, and Broadband Forum (BBF) User Services Platform (USP) Data Models TR-369 and TR-181. Wi-Fi Alliance EasyMesh™, for instance, can be utilized as the standard interface for Wi-Fi data collection, Wi-Fi management, configuration, and optimization on home networks with a standalone gateway.
Register now for the upcoming webinar on 6th June, 2023 “Optimizing Wi-Fi Experience with Operator-Managed Networks.”
Wi-Fi 6 Trials Report
WBA’s Wi-Fi 6 program aims to drive the adoption of Wi-Fi 6 and has previously released the Wi-Fi 6 Deployment Guidelines white paper, which outlines different vertical use cases and and provides guidance on best practices for deployments. WBA provides a platform for end-to-end Wi-Fi 6 trials based on a comprehensive test plan to demonstrate key Wi-Fi 6 capabilities in end-to-end real life networks and showcase the readiness for carrier Wi-Fi deployments across different geographies and various key verticals.
NGH Provisioning Standardization White Paper
This whitepaper defines the exact framework, use cases, call-flows, and specific element-level requirements that enable the capability for Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) and Wi-Fi-only devices to discover, provision, and use provider Wi-Fi networks (NGH or legacy 802.1X). All without pre-provisioning, obtaining credentials ahead of time, and minimal user intervention, using a single secure SSID
Integrating Wi-Fi into the Mobile Core
Real-World Implementation Trade-Offs Among Different Approaches to Wi-Fi / Cellular Integration
Dealing with Density: The Move to Small-Cell Architectures
Options and Long-Term Strategies for Mobile Operators Facing Exponential Growth in Data Traffic
Wi-Fi Steps Up Service Differentiation
This paper will dissect the cross section of Wi-Fi’s role in networks, the motivation of emerging HetNets, major converging trends ecosystem players, potential of incremental revenue-generating capability and actionable end-to-end intelligence for better customer experience.
