Authentication methods

Wi-Fi authentication for Carrier Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Offload

Automatic & Manual

Wi-Fi Authentication

Authentication is one of the cornerstones of an offloading solution. We offer best-practice methods and alternative solutions, allowing the service provider to mix techniques and create more innovative and pragmatic user interfaces. Learn more about our Mobile Data Offloading solution.

The most important Wi-Fi authentication for a seamless and secure user experience is Passpoint-based authentication using EAP authentication.

Best Practice for Offloading – EAP-SIM/AKA

SIM-based authentication is the best practice for authentication for mobile data offloading as it utilizes the same mechanism as in the cellular network making the authentication process seamless and secure for the end-user. An automatic authentication process in combination with smartphones’ tendency to prioritize Wi-Fi over cellular connections will ensure a high rate of offloaded users.

The Enea Aptilo SMP SIM Authentication authenticates users based on the information retrieved from the HLR, HSS or AUSF in the mobile core in accordance with the 3GPP AAA functionality.

Explore Our SIM Authentication Solution

The Wi-Fi network must support 802.1x to deliver SIM credentials to the SIM authentication function, which provides the additional benefit of encrypting the Wi-Fi link with the same level of security as that found in the cellular network. The security and the automatic authentication process make the Wi-Fi network a trusted extension of the cellular network. Together with the new IEEE 802.11u standard, SIM-based EAP-SIM/AKA authentication has become the foundation of the next generation hotspot – Hotspot 2.0 (Passpoint), defined by the Hotspot 2.0 Task Group in the Wi-Fi Alliance.

There are currently 22+ billion devices connected to Wi-Fi; not all will have SIM cards or support for EAP-SIM/AKA. Operators will need alternative authentication methods to support these customers.