WBA Report: Enhancing Wi-Fi for Moving Networks

The "Wi-Fi Experience for Moving Networks Report," published today by the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), a global industry organisation devoted to promoting the smooth and interoperable Wi-Fi service experience throughout the global wireless ecosystem, shows how the newest Wi-Fi standards can improve moving networks, which they claim have frequently been overlooked.

The WBA seeks to improve Wi-Fi connectivity in moving environments, including as buses, trains, aeroplanes, and ships, to provide dependability for everyday travel and commuting. Members and industry stakeholders are also being invited to participate in the WBA's moving network trials, which will give them a testing environment or give them a competitive advantage by utilising the newest technology when implementing a moving network solution. 

The research offers use scenarios that show how existing standards, while not expressly made for moving networks, can be modified to enhance user experiences and operational efficiency while outlining the particular difficulties faced by dynamic Wi-Fi networks.

 The advantages of trustworthy moving networks

By lowering operating costs, creating new revenue streams, and improving passenger experience and service reliability, the study provides industry stakeholders with substantial advantages. Superior Wi-Fi services can provide you a competitive edge, draw in more clients, and boost engagement. Standardised procedures promote industry cooperation, and enhanced security measures safeguard user data. 

Many of the issues users face when joining and switching between moving networks can be resolved by implementing technologies like WBA OpenRoamingTM. Using a creditential, OpenRoaming enables smooth access between several Wi-Fi and cellular networks while guaranteeing automated authentication and the greatest security and privacy standards.

Approaches to relocating networks

The technical and logistical difficulties of relocating networks have been addressed by this project, which was spearheaded by GlobalReach and Viasat and assisted by CableLabs, Cityroam, General Motors, HPE Aruba Networks, and other WBA members. Among the solutions are:
Dynamic Environments: Combining numerous connectivity sources for increased stability and addressing erratic backhaul connectivity with cutting-edge standards like Passpoint® for seamless connections.

Handover Issues: Using smart network selection and improved roaming capabilities to guarantee uninterrupted service and avoid needless network switching.

Security Issues: To safeguard data in temporary settings, network security should be strengthened using strong authentication techniques as WPA2/WPA3 Enterprise and per-user encryption.

Service Continuity: Ensuring connectivity without backhaul access by employing techniques like local caching and authentication.

Complex Deployments: Using remote management tools and modular components to make it easier to deploy and maintain network equipment on moving vehicles.

Delivering dependable and secure Wi-Fi on mobile networks is more of a problem than on fixed networks, according to Tiago Rodrigues, CEO of the Wireless Broadband Alliance. This study shows how current Wi-Fi standards may improve these networks, increase user engagement, and transform the user experience. Our goal is to establish a smooth and compatible Wi-Fi service experience for both stationary and mobile networks inside the wireless ecosystem.

"With the market adoption of technologies like Passpoint, users are now increasingly connecting onto shared public Wi-Fi networks in a seamless and secure manner," said Thomas Locke, Chief Technology Officer at GlobalReach. "For non-fixed networks, which are frequently found in the maritime and aviation industries, this can be difficult. This research shows how existing Wi-Fi standards can be modified to enhance user experience and boost operational efficiency, while also outlining the particular difficulties faced by dynamic Wi-Fi networks," Locke added.

According to Ed Kyte, Airline Propositions at Viasat, "Resolving issues in Moving Networks is becoming more and more important to further develop high quality and seamless experiences as Wi-Fi becomes more mobile and spreads into new areas." Using the most recent, tried-and-true Wi-Fi standards to improve the user experience, this paper carries on the WBA's work in this crucial area.

In order to address Wi-Fi issues in moving networks and investigate next-generation technologies, the WBA is inviting its members and industry stakeholders, such as infrastructure providers, mobile device manufacturers, airlines, train and bus operators, cruise lines, civil transport providers, automotive OEMs, identity providers, ecosystem brokers, and hub providers to participate in trials.