OpenRoaming & Cellular Offload
Bridge the gap between Cellular and WiFi, allowing carrier subscribers to automatically offload to indoor WiFi networks securely.
The Challenge
Modern buildings with LEED glass and concrete often block cellular signals (5G/4G). Installing DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems) is expensive. Users suffer from poor connectivity indoors despite having a strong WiFi network available.
Solution Engineering
Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) OpenRoaming or Carrier Offload (SIM-based authentication). The WiFi network broadcasts a specific RCOI (Roaming Consortium Organization Identifier). The user's phone, seeing a trusted identifier, automatically connects using the SIM card credentials (EAP-SIM/AKA) without user intervention.
Technical Requirements
- Passpoint / Hotspot 2.0 (Release 2 or 3) Certified Hardware
- Connection to an OpenRoaming Hub (e.g., Cisco, Boingo, WBA)
- EAP-SIM / EAP-AKA support on the RADIUS server
- Public IP addressing or robust NAT logging for carrier compliance
Best Practices
Ensure Access Points allow 'ANQP' queries to advertise roaming capabilities.
Partner with a Hub provider (like GlobalReach, Cloud4Wi, Cisco Spaces) rather than building bilateral links.
Prioritize Offload traffic with QoS (Quality of Service) for Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi).
Target Outcomes
Cellular-like experience indoors
Monetization opportunities via carrier data offload fees
Enhanced security compared to open SSIDs
Recommended Vendors
Companies matching this use case based on their feature set.
Cloud4Wi
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