There is a dire need for quality Wi-Fi services, all over the world. As wireless technology continues to escalate, an estimated 200 billion wireless devices will be operational by 2020. In addition to that, carrier Wi-Fi hotspots are likely to reach 13.3 million by the same year. Both businesses and individuals are searching for secure and reliable wireless internet access. The quality of Wi-Fi service will have to conquer many challenges as the major focus shift towards of Internet of Things.
Without a doubt, communication service providers encounter some serious challenges with Wi-Fi. One of the worst problems is that the subscribers blame mediocre Wi-Fi service quality on the provider, even when it is not their fault. Many outside influences affect the quality of Wi-Fi service. All interferences from neighboring access points or simply electronics that operate on the same frequency, lead to inconsistent service quality. The problem is further aggravated by device outages and signal blockages.
Service providers fail to locate the source of trouble if without clear visibility into the customer premises. This naturally leads to other grave concerns such as customer churn and support costs. Moreover, business customers with managed Wi-Fi possess higher quality expectations, as their Wi-Fi services extend to their staff and customers. Business owners are greatly disappointed when the service they are paying for fails to deliver the true value for their money.
Hence, to meet customer expectations and cut down on support costs, service providers must become capable of managing Wi-Fi service within the customer’s premises. They must be able to track down all micro-level quality issues top make appropriate changes to enhance subscriber QoE without spending more on their support costs. Support costs amplify when there are issues related to the deployment of Wi-Fi access points and extenders.
It becomes challenging to diagnose and troubleshoot Wi-Fi problems without clear visibility into a business’s network. Wi-Fi service providers must improve their remote device monitoring and management methods to deliver a flawless performance to retain their customers.
How Hotspot 2.0 Aims to Change the Present Scenario
Roughly 800 million new Wi-Fi-enabled devices are launched in the mobile market every year. This leads to a large number of Wi-Fi networks to connect businesses and end-users in all kinds of environments. These may also include public venues such as hotels, hospitals, malls, and universities. However, not all these networks guarantee safety to users.
A technology that aims to power the further development of such a mobile ecosystem is the Hotspot 2.0. This is an interoperable Wi-Fi authentication technology that enables mobile users to move from Wi-Fi hotspot to hotspot without the need to enter passwords or select connections. Hotspot 2.0 networks refer to an updated wireless standard that is created to ensure safe and convenient Wi-Fi connections. Looking at its effectiveness, many of today’s latest versions of several operating systems support Hotspot 2.0. These include Windows, Android as well as IOS 7.
One of the major aims of Hotspot 2.0 networks involves offering a “roaming” for Wi-Fi networks; the same way it works for cellular phones. When an individual moves anywhere around the globe, his device automatically connects to an available public hotspot mechanically. The technology is potent to bring numerous revolutionary benefits. A few of these are listed below:
- Secure and Easier Public Hotspots: An individual user’s device automatically connects to a real public Wi-Fi at locations such as an airport.
- Network Providers will be able to work Together: The Hotspot networks are built in such a way that service providers can collaborate with other providers.
- Mandatory Encryption: Several of today’s public Wi-Fi hotspots serve as open networks. This technology implies that anyone can snoop on a user’s internet activity. However, the Hotspot 2.0 networks work with WPA2 encryption.
This technology is fairly new, and a large number of Wi-Fi hotspots users come across are not Hotspot enabled. However, when you install a profile from a service provider, and you are within the range of a Hotspot 2.0 network, you are automatically connected. When you attempt to get connected to a network without creating a profile first, the sign-up option will assist you to get connected online. There are many airports in the U.S. that make have utilized hotspot 2.0 as well as the Time Warner Cable.
Final Thoughts
While these networks continue to help end-users, it would still need a significant time period for Hotspot 2.0 networks before it becomes the norm and replaces older networks.
References:
Product Engineering Services Customized software development services for diverse domains
Sustenance Engineering Going beyond maintenance to prolong life of mature products
Managed Services Achieve scalability, operational efficiency and business continuity
Technology Consulting & Architecture Leverage the extensive knowledge of our Domain Experts
