As humans evolve, they constantly search for new and efficient solutions to improve their lives. Wi-Fi roaming is one such technological advancement that simplifies people’s lives. Wi-Fi roaming refers to the ability of Wi-Fi-enabled devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and even appliances to connect with Wi-Fi to maintain a seamless connection with the internet without any interruption between various Wi-Fi access points. Passpoint and OpenRoaming are yet another two subsidiaries that come under Wi-Fi Roaming.

The emergence of Passpoint and OpenRoaming has helped many industries. Businesses like Hospitality and service providers have benefitted mainly from these two technologies. The following blog briefly explains Passpoint and OpenRoaming.

What is Passpoint?

The term Passpoint was coined by Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA), a non-profit organization. The technology allows internet users to connect to different Wi-Fi networks automatically without a manual authentication process. Wi-Fi alliance was formed in 1999 to certify products’ operability in creating local area networks.

Passpoint, also known as Hotspot 2.0, helps users seamlessly connect to secure Wi-Fi by authenticating their devices to connect to the most substantial Wi-Fi connection they have in their campus or area effortlessly. The primary purpose behind the emergence of Passpoint was to provide users with a seamless internet connection while roaming or traveling from one campus or location to another. Their devices can quickly swap from one network to another as they travel for an interrupted service.

It has been around for almost 11 years and is widely supported by many devices. Many service providers have agreed to network interoperability, expanding the range of Wi-Fi networks and lowering the reliability of network towers.

What is OpenRoaming?

OpenRoaming is an upgrade of Passpoint and takes the user’s experience of connection with Wi-Fi servers to another level. OpenRoaming takes the connection of devices to the server at the global federated network of networks. In other words, it allows users to switch between different networks without the requirement of new logins and multiple credential logins. OpenRoaming ensures uninterrupted connectivity between different locations.

OpenRoaming was first developed by Cisco until the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) took over the project for further development in 2020. Using OpenRoaming has provided various benefits to its users, like seamless connectivity, enhanced security, convenience, global coverage, and cost savings.

Monetization Opportunities

Various businesses can leverage the OpenRoaming and Passpoint features to make their business grow and promote their services to potential customers. Businesses such as hotels can monetize the Wi-Fi network by implementing advertisements about their rooms and facilities based on the location.

For instance, when a user enters a particular area, such as a lobby, spa, or restaurant, the hotel can send promotional offers on their devices. This increases the rate of conversion chances of customers. This can generate additional income sources for the hotels. One can also gain additional value by providing premium Wi-Fi access by integrating loyalty programs. Hotels can ask for valuable information about their guests and gift them loyalty points, which can be used further to access the internet via Wi-Fi.

Conclusion

OpenRoaming and Passpoint have been game-changers for anyone relying primarily on Wi-Fi networks to stay connected. Both technologies help users to stay connected with enhanced security seamlessly. OpenRoaming provides a global coverage area when compared to Passpoint. Soon, we can all expect OpenRoaming to be a new standard of connecting with the internet rather than relying on mobile networks.