DailyTech - Wi-Fi Certified Passpoint Devices Enter Testing for Seamless Cell-to-Wi-Fi Handoffs

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Gadgets Wi-Fi Certified Passpoint Devices Enter Testing for Seamless Cell-to-Wi-Fi Handoffs
Shane McGlaun (Blog) - June 26, 2012 9:41 AM

1 comment(s) - last by lelias2k.. on Jun 26 at 1:47 PM

Specification allows seamless connectivity to wireless networks

The Wi-Fi Alliance has announced that the industry has reached a major milestone in the evolution of an operator-grade network. The Wi-Fi Alliance is now testing mobile devices and infrastructure equipment for its Wi-Fi Certified Passpoint program. Passpoint allows mobile devices to automatically discover and connect to networks powered by Passpoint-certified access points.

Service providers and equipment makers of the Wi-Fi Alliance defined the Passpoint specification in an effort to address the need for mobile data, streamlined access, and subscriber loyalty. Passpoint makes it easier for service providers to off load data traffic to Wi-Fi networks. The equipment used in Passpoint-certified devices also automatically enables WPA2 security.

^{The Wi-Fi Alliance polled cell phone customers on the benefits of streamlined Wi-Fi availability [Image Source: Wi-Fi Alliance]}

“Product manufacturers partnered with service providers to develop the Passpoint program in the Wi-Fi Alliance,” said Edgar Figueroa, CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance. “Our organization has become a key collaboration forum driving Wi-Fi’s evolution in support of service providers.”

With the certification program now available through the Wi-Fi Alliance, there's now a single industry wide solution for seamless access to Wi-Fi mobile broadband. Carriers will be able to use the technology to set up Wi-Fi roaming agreements with users needing to do nothing for their phones to connect to the networks.

Source: Wi-Fi.org