Wi-Fi Experience for Moving Networks

TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Wi-Fi is commonly used to provide internet connectivity. Passengers consistently seek connectivity during their journeys on airplanes, railways, subways, buses, ferries, and cruises. This connectivity enables them to check emails, get directions, read hotel and restaurant reviews, upload photos, update social media, and stay connected with those at home.

In locations or venues where internet connectivity relies on non-fixed means like satellite or cellular connections, authenticating users on remote servers may pose challenges. The backhaul provision in such cases often has more limited bandwidth, higher latency, and contention compared to fixed connections, presenting additional challenges for network and service providers.

BUSINESS BENEFITS

WBA published “In-Flight Wi-Fi Connectivity: Improving Passenger Experience, Engagement and Uptake” report that explores how airlines, service providers, and other stakeholders can make it faster and easier for travelers to get and stay connected onboard aircraft.

With the adoption of Passpoint® and OpenRoaming™, WBA develops industry guidelines for users’ digital experience when using Wi-Fi networks.

This ultimately will unleash a consistent experience with non-fixed backhaul across aviation, railway, and maritime sectors and provides an integrated and consistent mechanism that will be trialed initially in real-world scenarios and create the standard for commercial rollout.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

• Provide industry guidelines and best practices for network providers transit operators, airline operators, and transportation companies to provide automatic, secure network access to users whenever the backhaul may be transient and improve the digital experience in Wi-Fi networks with non-fixed backhaul.
• Assess the options for improving the use experience and develop a live proof of concept in moving networks to showcase the expected outcomes.
• Identify equipment, software, and notification methods to users in the situation of transition between backhaul connections with transparent user experiences.