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Private 5G and Wi-Fi Convergence Report: Phase 2 – Technical Considerations
The Private 5G and Wi-Fi Convergence Report: Phase 2 – Technical Considerations builds on the Phase 1 insights, which identified key use cases and highlighted the essential role of Wi-Fi in optimizing 5G performance. This new report delves into advanced architectural strategies and technical solutions, setting the stage for seamless interworking between Wi-Fi and 5G.
This report marks the next phase in 5G and Wi-Fi integration, offering a practical roadmap for enterprises to maximize performance, efficiency, and cost savings by leveraging both networks. This convergence enables enterprises to benefit from the high-speed, low-latency capabilities of 5G, combined with Wi-Fi’s broad coverage and adaptability for varied use cases and industries.
Key technical solutions include the use of Service Functions—widely deployed features like security, WAN acceleration, and load balancing—to enhance network operations. The report also explores connectivity status sharing across networks for optimized performance, and improved latency by strategically managing user traffic across Wi-Fi and Private 5G.
Looking Ahead to Phase 3
In 2025, Private 5G & Wi-Fi Convergence – Phase 3 will focus on establishing an industry standard for RAN convergence. Key developments will include vector roaming, Access Traffic Steering, Switching, and Splitting (ATSSS), along with enhancements to Quality of Experience (QoE). These advancements aim to create a seamless, unified framework for the future of converged networks.
Reach out to the WBA Program Management Office (PMO) with this form. Be part of shaping the future of Wi-Fi.
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.
