Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint:

A new program from the Wi-Fi Alliance to enable seamless Wi-Fi access in hotspots

Wi-Fi Alliance February 2012

The following document and the information contained herein regarding Wi-Fi Alliance programs and expected dates of launch are subject to revision or removal at any time without notice. THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS", "AS AVAILABLE" AND "WITH ALL FAULTS" BASIS. THE WI-FI ALLIANCE MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS OR GUARANTEES AS TO THE USEFULNESS, QUALITY, SUITABILITY, TRUTH, ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS DOCUMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT.

Executive summary
Once found only in coffee shops and hotels, the public Wi-Fi hotspot has become ubiquitous around the world. Growth of Wi-Fi in public spaces is expected to continue at a very strong pace, with Informa Telecoms & Media predicting 5.8 million hotspots worldwide in 2015. The explosive growth is driven by several factors: Ubiquity of Wi-Fi in mobile devices like laptops, tablets and smartphones. End-user appetite for Wi-Fi connectivity over 3G and 4G for mobile devices. Widening support by service providers of Wi-Fi hotspots as a means to offload traffic from congested networks and to improve the end-user experience. The forthcoming Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint program is the latest initiative from the Wi-Fi Alliance to revolutionize the end-user experience in Wi-Fi hotspots. Moreover, it is a key enabler for operator data offload in public hotspots. The specification underlying Passpoint certification defines a number of features, which will be introduced over the next 12 months: Phase one features (planned for mid-2012): Network discovery and selection: Devices identify and associate with Passpoint networks in the background, without any active intervention from the subscriber. Seamless network access: Authentication no longer requires a browser-based sign-on or the subscriber to enter a password. Devices are authenticated automatically, using Extensible Authentication Protocols (EAP) based on a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), a username and password, or certificate credentials. Secure authentication and connectivity: All connections are secured with WPA2-Enterprise, which provides a level of security comparable to that of cellular networks. Phase two features (planned for 2013): Immediate account provisioning: Streamlined process to establish a new user account at the point of access, driving a common provisioning methodology across vendors. Operator policy: Mechanisms to support operator-specific subscriber policies, including network selection policy.

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Table of Contents
Executive summary .......................................................................................................................... 2 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3 Wi-Fi devices and hotspots continue an upward trajectory ............................................................. 4 Insatiable demand for data: A challenge and an opportunity .......................................................... 4 Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint: Seamless Wi-Fi access in public hotspots ....................................... 6 Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint value proposition ............................................................................... 6 EAP Authentication enables seamless access ................................................................................ 7 Passpoint security with WPA2-Enterprise ....................................................................................... 9 Roaming access through advanced network selection functionality ............................................... 9 Support for legacy networks and client devices ............................................................................. 10 Timeline for the Passpoint program ............................................................................................... 10 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 11 Further information resources ........................................................................................................ 11 About the Wi-Fi Alliance ................................................................................................................. 12 Appendix: Wi-Fi Alliance initiatives to promote seamless connectivity.......................................... 12

Executive summary

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Introduction Introduction

Wi-Fi devices and hotspots continue an to offer connectivity 4 Over the years, Wi-Fi coverage has extended upward trajectory to end users in new environments and on a widening array of client devices. Public access in hotspots, where the Wi-Fi infrastructure is shared Insatiable demand for data: A challenge and an opportunity 4 among all users who want to connect to the network, either for free or after paying a fee, is now Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint: Seamless Wi-Fi access in public hotspots prominent around the world, from an increasing number of mobile devices with Wi-Fi. 6 Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint value proposition The number of Wi-Fi hotspots has rapidly expanded over the last decade, growing from6 initial creation the of small, independent networks, which often covered only a single coffee shop or hotel, to larger, service EAP Authentication enables seamless access 7 providerowned networks designed to provide wireless access in high-traffic public locations. As Wi-Fi connectivity in public hotspots has grown in availability and popularity, delivering seamless and Passpoint security with WPA2-Enterprise 9 transparent access across networks, with secure connections and uninterrupted service, has become Roaming access through advanced network selection functionality 9 crucial for providers to add value to their service offerings and enhance the end-user experience. Support for legacy networks and client devices 10 The Wi-Fi Alliance is developing the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint program to provide an industry-wide, interoperable platformPasspoint program access in public hotspots. Passpoint will be supported across a Timeline for the to streamline Wi-Fi 10 wide range of networks and client devices, provide an improved end-user experience, and become an Summary 11 important building block for service provider offload of data traffic and inter-provider roaming agreements. Further information resources 11 Ahead of Passpoints expected initial launch in mid-2012, this paper provides an introduction to the program and the features it supports, the market requirements it meets, and the benefits it provides end About the Wi-Fi Alliance 12 users and service providers. Appendix: Wi-Fi Alliance initiatives to promote seamless connectivity 12

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Wi-Fi devices and hotspots continue an upward trajectory

With more and more Wi-Fi devices entering the market, data usage over Wi-Fi accounts for an increasing portion of the total network access, from 36 percent in 2010 to 46 percent in 2015 (Figure 1). As Wi-Fi integrated circuit (IC) sales and Wi-Fi product certification volumes continue to increase (Figure 2), the fastest-growing categories in the Wi-Fi market have been mobile and consumer electronic (CE) devices. Consumers are accustomed to using Wi-Fi when on the go. According to comScore , more than 37 percent of mobile phone traffic and more than 90 percent of tablet traffic is already transported over Wi-Fi in the US. The rapid increase in popularity of personal wireless routers that provide shared Wi-Fi access to multiple end-user devices is further encouraging the use of Wi-Fi. With users demanding ubiquitous network access, the number of Wi-Fi hotspots in nonresidential settings is expected to grow rapidly over the next four years (Figure 3) as service providers intensify their efforts to meet that demand and to encourage Wi-Fi usage to ease congestion on cellular networks.
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Figure 1. Wired, Wi-Fi and mobile traffic volume in 2010 and 2015. Source: Cisco Visual Networking Index (VNI), www.cisco.com.

Insatiable demand for data: A challenge and an opportunity

Wi-Fi has become a crucial complement to cellular networks, as subscriber volume and per-subscriber traffic load grow faster than the available cellular capacity. Global mobile data traffic is predicted to reach 17 terabytes annually by 2014 (Figure 4).
Figure 2. Wi-Fi integrated circuit (IC) shipments by device type in millions and Wi-Fi product certifications. Source: ABI Research and Wi-Fi Alliance.

comScore, Digital Omnivores: How Tablets, Smartphones and Connected Devices Are Changing U.S. Digital Media Consumption Habits, 2011. 4 of 13 2012 Wi-Fi Alliance. All rights reserved.

A variety of service providers are integrating Wi-Fi into their core offering, driving an explosion in the number of hotspots and the data volumes they transport: Mobile operators. Wi-Fi hotspots improve the subscriber experience and allow operators to offload data from their congested cellular networks. As one example, in the United States, AT&T now provides Wi-Fi access to its subscribers in about 30,000 hotspots. The AT&T Wi-Fi network supported 487 million connections during the fourth quarter of 2011 more than triple the number from the previous year, with a 2 volume of traffic that nearly tripled over the same period. Wireline broadband service providers, including cable and other fixed-line operators. With growing public Wi-Fi offerings, these providers can differentiate their service from the competition and offer a more compelling service proposition to their subscribers outside of the home. These providers may also wholesale Wi-Fi access to roaming partners.

Figure 3. Number of public hotspots worldwide. Source: Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) and Informa Telecoms & Media.

Pure-play hotspot service providers offering access in partnership with hotels, restaurants, transportation authorities, and retailers. Customers have come to expect Wi-Fi access in a wide range of public locations. Wi-Fi has become a tool to attract and retain customers, or to encourage purchases of goods or services. Wholesale offerings to mobile providers who seek to expand their Wi-Fi offerings can also augment revenues for these providers.

Thanks to the ubiquity of Wi-Fi in residential and workplace environments, users have quickly learned to use Wi-Fi access everywhere they go. They expect a Wi-Fi service that is as transparent, consistent, automatic, and secure as their cellular service, and that works across all the Wi-Fi devices they own.

Figure 4. Global mobile data traffic. Source: WBA and Informa Telecoms & Media.

. AT&T, 1.2 Billion Customer Connections Made to 30,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots in 2011, 2012.

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Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint: Revolutionizing the user experience in hotspots

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint is being developed to address service provider requirements for seamless Wi-Fi access in public hotspots, and to give subscribers the user experience they desire and expect. In home and workplace environments, connecting to a Wi-Fi network is usually automatic for end users, once they have provided the authentication credential during the first network association. Network selection and association after that are initiated on the client device side, and they are subject to the policies set forth by the IT manager or to the homeowners preference. As users continue to access the same networks, the client devices automatically associate with known and trusted networks, without requiring further user intervention. Today, connecting in most hotspot environments is quite different from the model described above. In a public hotspot, subscribers typically have to search for and choose a network, request and acknowledge the connection to the access point (AP) each time, and in some cases, must re-enter their authentication credentials. Existing solutions that simplify network selection and association and provide security are proprietary, limiting interoperability and worldwide usage.

Liaison with the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) to deliver a harmonized hotspot platform
The Wi-Fi Alliance has created a Liaison Agreement with WBA. The agreement enables the organizations to share information, and collaborate to harmonize each groups programs. The Wi-Fi Alliance will certify equipment under the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint program to help ensure interoperability. WBA programs facilitate roaming agreements and technical relationships between operators under the Next Generation Hotspot (NGH) guidelines. NGH guidelines assume Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint capabilities in deployed hotspot equipment and client devices. ____________________________________________ Improving customer experience is the main driver for the adoption of Passpoint for mobile operators. They want to replicate the cellular network experience that their subscribers have with their phones when they use Wi-Fi, so their users go to a hotspot and it just works no need to do anything. This will allow hotspots to provide a more reliable and user-friendly service. SIMbased authentication is crucial for mobile operators to enable seamless connectivity, as well as enhance security at Wi-Fi hotspots. Nigel Bird, Project Leader, WBA Next Generation Hotspot Operator Guidelines

The emergence of Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint will transform the user experience in public hotspots. As an industry-wide solution, Passpoint will work in any network and overcome the limitations of proprietary, non-interoperable solutions offered by some providers today. Devices certified in the program will manage network association, authentication, sign-up, and security in the background, in a way that is completely transparent to the subscriber and that consistently works in any Passpoint network.

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint value proposition

With the active support from a wide ecosystem of device manufacturers, mobile operators, and service providers, the Passpoint certification program was designed to provide a higher-quality experience for subscribers in hotspots, and an effective platform for service providers to offload traffic to Wi-Fi networks and offer new Wi-Fibased services. The features of Passpoint are described in Phase one features of the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint program (mid-2012) Network discovery and selection Client devices discover and automatically choose networks based on user preferences, provisioned operator policy, and network availability. These features are based on the recent IEEE 802.11u amendment.

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Seamless network access

Wi-Fi hotspot access for in-network APs no longer requires an active selection or input from the subscriber. Passpoint uses a consistent interface and automated association process. Devices can be automatically granted access to the network based on multiple credential types. Passpoint supports Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)based authentication, widely used in cellular networks today, as well as username/password combinations and certificate credentials. No end-user intervention is required in order to establish a connection to a trusted network.

WPA2-Enterprise security

All Passpoint connections are secured with WPA2-Enterprise for authentication and connectivity, offering a level of security comparable to that of cellular networks. Passpoint enhances WPA2-Enterprise by adding features to mitigate common attack vectors in public Wi-Fi deployments.

Phase two features of the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint program (2013) Immediate account provisioning Standardized and streamlined process for establishing a new user account at the point of access, driving a common provisioning methodology across vendors. Mechanisms to support operator-specific subscriber policies, including network selection policy.

Operator policy

Phase one features of the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint program (mid-2012) Network discovery and selection Client devices discover and automatically choose networks based on user preferences, provisioned operator policy, and network availability. These features are based on the recent IEEE 802.11u amendment. Wi-Fi hotspot access for in-network APs no longer requires an active selection or input from the subscriber. Passpoint uses a consistent interface and automated association process. Devices can be automatically granted access to the network based on multiple credential types. Passpoint supports Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)based authentication, widely used in cellular networks today, as well as username/password combinations and certificate credentials. No end-user intervention is required in order to establish a connection to a trusted network. WPA2-Enterprise security All Passpoint connections are secured with WPA2-Enterprise for authentication and connectivity, offering a level of security comparable to that of cellular networks. Passpoint enhances WPA2-Enterprise by adding features to mitigate common attack vectors in public Wi-Fi deployments.

Seamless network access

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Phase two features of the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint program (2013) Immediate account provisioning Standardized and streamlined process for establishing a new user account at the point of access, driving a common provisioning methodology across vendors. Mechanisms to support operator-specific subscriber policies, including network selection policy.

Operator policy

Table 1. Features of the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint program.

Users of Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint devices will notice significant changes in the way they connect to hotspots. The commonly used browser-based authentication that requires users to enter their account information on a captive portal will no longer be necessary, as the client device can authenticate without input from the end user. Not only does browser-based authentication require an active effort from subscribers, it does not work in devices without a browser (e.g., a feature phone) or in devices configured to automatically connect to some virtual private networks (VPNs).

EAP Authentication enables seamless access

Passpoint creates a global platform centered on four standards-based Extensible Authentication Protocols (EAPs) that are commonly deployed in the industry today ( EAP method EAP-Transport Layer Security (EAP-TLS) Credential type Client- and server-side, with a trusted root certificate SIM, if mobile device has SIM credential Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), if mobile device has USIM credential Username and password, with server-side certificates

EAP-SIM EAP-Authentication and Key Agreement (EAP-AKA) EAP-Tunneled Transport Layer Security (TTLS) with Microsoft Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol Version 2 (MSCHAPv2)

). The EAP-SIM and EAP-AKA SIM-based authentication methods enable mobile operators to use the same credential for both cellular and Wi-Fi authentication.

EAP method EAP-Transport Layer Security (EAP-TLS)

Credential type Client- and server-side, with a trusted root certificate

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EAP-SIM EAP-Authentication and Key Agreement (EAP-AKA) EAP-Tunneled Transport Layer Security (TTLS) with Microsoft Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol Version 2 (MSCHAPv2)
Table 2. EAP methods supported by Passpoint.

SIM, if mobile device has SIM credential Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), if mobile device has USIM credential Username and password, with server-side certificates

In addition to ease of use, Passpoint seamless authentication brings these benefits to service providers and users: Hotspot access for CE devices without a browser. Passpoint authentication methods do not require a browser, and will facilitate the use of CE devices like cameras or embedded devices in cars that do not have a browser. New sign-up and content delivery models. The increased flexibility in provisioning new accounts and tying them to complementary accounts (e.g., a cable modem subscription) and services (e.g., location-based services to reward customers for a purchase) will further encourage the emergence of new sign-up and content delivery models. Keeping the authentication process in the background and securing the connection will make hotspot access much more attractive to content providers and manufacturers of content-oriented devices such as digital book readers. Occasional Wi-Fi access can also be simplified for subscribers who do not have a prepaid subscription for instance, using charging models similar to prepaid plans from mobile operators. Enable digital-rights management over Wi-Fi. Service providers increasingly provide protected and paid content to their subscribers, but to do so they need to know who receives the content. Passpoint background authentication enables service providers to verify the identity and access rights of subscribers, and to deliver premium content to subscribers connected to home and workplace networks, as well as public hotspots.

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Wi-Fi security with WPA2-Enterprise

In all Passpoint connections, WPA2-Enterprise is required for certification because it provides a consistent security level that both service providers and subscribers can rely on to protect the network, the devices, and the transmitted data. WPA2-Enterprise meets enterprise and government security requirements. It leverages Authentication, Authorization, Accounting (AAA) functionality to monitor and manage traffic, and to define user-specific 3 authentication levels, using multiple EAP methods for authentication . WPA2-Enterprise certification is widely available in Wi-Fi CERTIFIED mobile devices and laptops. Legacy clients that are certified for WPA2-Enteprise support the same level of security as the new Passpoint equipment, and can use the new Passpoint authentication process if they have WPA2-Enterprise enabled.

Roaming access through advanced network selection functionality

Passpoint hotspots enable service providers to offer seamless roaming in one anothers hotspot networks. To enable roaming, service operators have to first establish mutual roaming agreements that cover credential validation, billing, and reconciliation, and which rely on a single common protocol for network selection and user authentication in hotspots. Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint provides that foundational protocol.

Broad industry support for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint

Cisco is dedicated to supporting open standards across all of our innovative Wi-Fi technologies. By supporting the Wi-Fi Alliance Passpoint certification, service providers can more easily optimize their networks by offloading data traffic to Wi-Fi and help deliver a better mobile experience to their end customers. Sujai Hajela, Vice President and General Manager, Wireless Networking Business Unit, Cisco By developing carrier-grade certification, this new generation of hotspots will allow Orange to provide Wi-Fi services that are both reliable and user-friendly. In addition, SIM-based authentication will enhance security and accessibility to Orange Wi-Fi hotspots, especially when roaming. Rida Zouaoui, Head of Access Networks Standardisation, France Telecom-Orange We are proud to participate in the Wi-Fi Alliance hotspot certification initiative. The program will provide users with a simpler and more standardized way to discover, subscribe, and securely connect to hotspots around the world than is possible today. Andrew Bocking, VP, Handheld Software Product Management, Research In Motion

WPA2-Enterprise uses an authentication and key management infrastructure that differs from WPA2-Personal. WPA2Personal support is mandated in all Wi-Fi equipment and provides security in residential and small business environments without AAA capabilities. Devices that support only WPA2-Personal do not benefit from Passpoints new security features, but will still be able to connect to Passpoint networks. 10 of 13 2012 Wi-Fi Alliance. All rights reserved.

Once roaming between two service providers is enabled, Passpoint devices can connect to either a network provided by the subscribers service provider, or to a visited network provided by another provider, using the same process. In all cases, the Passpoint client recognizes the AP as belonging to the list of available networks and establishes a connection. The end users experience is similar to cellular roaming as they reach a Passpoint hotspot, the device connects automatically.

Support for legacy networks and client devices

The new functionality is enabled only when both the AP and the client device are certified for Passpoint. However, the Passpoint certification program supports connectivity for legacy equipment: Legacy client, Passpoint AP. Legacy clients with the correct credentials and supporting the correct EAP methods can connect to Passpoint APs. Legacy clients which do not have the correct credentials and support for the correct EAP methods must use open-system, browserbased authentication, where WPA2 may not be required and therefore security is not guaranteed. Legacy AP, Passpoint client. Passpoint clients can connect to any legacy Wi-Fi network. However, when connected to a legacy network, they will not be able to use Passpoint features and services, and there is no requirement for WPA2 to be enabled.

Timeline for the Passpoint program

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint is a forthcoming certification program from the Wi-Fi Alliance that targets both access points and client devices. In addition, Passpoint provides the specifications for online sign-up and for operator policy, and guidelines for the recommended best practices for hotspot access. The Passpoint Technical Task Group has successfully completed initial testing and is now in the process of finalizing the specification, best-practice recommendations, and test plan. The launch of certification testing is planned for July 2012, with an additional set of features added in early 2013 (Table 1). The additional phase 2 program features will become a mandatory component of Passpoint certification.

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Summary
Wi-Fi hotspots enable service providers to enhance subscriber experience and to relieve congestion in their networks (Figure 5). End users own an increasing number of Wi-Fienabled devices, and hotspots provide users a cost-effective way to get a reliable and affordable connection in high-traffic locations. Vendors benefit from a widening market for Wi-Fi mobile devices that is increasingly moving beyond laptops and smartphones, to include tablets, digital book readers, game consoles and other CE devices. Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint is the new certification program developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance in close collaboration with service providers and equipment vendors to make hotspot access seamless, effortless and secure for subscribers. Passpoint empowers service providers to fully leverage Wi-Fi ubiquity in the client devices, and to offer a more compelling service to their subscribers and customers.

Figure 5. The benefits of Passpoint to service providers, end users, and equipment vendors.

Further information resources

An up-to-date list of certified products can be found in the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products database on the Wi-Fi Alliance website (www.wifi.org), where users can search for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED equipment by multiple criteria, including product category, manufacturer, certification date and features supported, and can view the interoperability certificate for certified products. For further information on the Wi-Fi Alliance certification program and for white papers on Wi-Firelated topics, please visit the Knowledge Center on the Wi-Fi Alliance website (www.wi-fi.org). The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED logo makes it easy to identify trusted Wi-Fi products

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About the Wi-Fi Alliance

The Wi-Fi Alliance is a global nonprofit industry association of hundreds of leading companies devoted to seamless connectivity. With technology development, market building, and regulatory programs, the Wi-Fi Alliance has enabled widespread adoption of Wi-Fi worldwide. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED program was launched in March 2000. It provides a widely recognized designation of interoperability and quality, and it helps to ensure that Wi-Fi-enabled products deliver the best user experience. The Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 13,000 product certifications, encouraging the expanded use of Wi-Fi products and services in new and established markets. Wi-Fi , Wi-Fi Alliance , WMM , Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED logo, the Wi-Fi logo, the Wi-Fi ZONE logo and the Wi-Fi Protected Setup logo are registered trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Wi-Fi CERTIFIED, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Protected Setup, Wi-Fi Multimedia, WPA2, Passpoint, and the Wi-Fi Alliance logo are trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance.

Appendix: Wi-Fi Alliance programs to promote seamless connectivity

From its inception, the Wi-Fi Alliance has promoted interoperability across vendors through its Wi-Fi TM CERTIFIED program that certifies client devices and infrastructure equipment that meets the specifications and the performance requirements established by the Wi-Fi Alliance, and based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. Users confidence that Wi-Fi CERTIFIED devices can connect to any Wi-Fi CERTIFIED APs to deliver a reliable connection and a high-quality experience has made Wi-Fi ubiquitous in PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones, and increasingly available in other CE devices. With effortless interoperability as its core target, the Wi-Fi Alliance certification program has expanded to include the building blocks that support a richer and safer user experience with mobile devices: Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) is required in all Wi-Fi CERTIFIED devices and infrastructure equipment and provides IEEE 802.1X controlled access, secure EAP-based authentication and connectivity through encryption of the over-the-air traffic. WPA2 with Protected Management Frames (PMF) provides a WPA2-level of protection for unicast and multicast management action frames, strengthening privacy protection for data frames with mechanisms that improve the resiliency of mission-critical networks. Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM ) provides quality of service (QoS) functionality to enhance the user experience with real-time applications, such as streaming video and voice applications. Wi-Fi Multimedia
TM TM

Power Save (WMM -PS) minimizes power consumption in mobile devices.

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED n leverages multiple-in, multiple-out (MIMO) technology in IEEE 802.11n Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products to enhance performance and capacity in Wi-Fi networks.

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