Frequently Asked Questions

• Passpoint is a Wi-Fi Alliance-certified technology that enables automatic, secure, and seamless WiFi connections. It eliminates the need for manual logins, allowing users to connect effortlessly to trusted WiFi networks.

The Wi-Fi Alliance developed Passpoint with contributions from:

• Service Providers – Companies that offer internet services to consumers.
• Mobile Operators – Businesses providing mobile phone and data services.
• Fixed-Line Operators – Companies delivering wired internet and telephone services.
• Manufacturers – Producers of mobile devices, routers, and networking equipment.
• Each group contributed expertise to enhance WiFi security, connectivity, and automation through Passpoint.

Passpoint revolutionizes the mobile experience with its advanced capabilities. Here's what makes it a standout option:

• Effortless Network Detection – Automatically identifies and connects to suitable WiFi networks.
• Seamless Connectivity & Roaming – Provides uninterrupted connections across different hotspots.
• Advanced Security Protocols – Uses WPA2™ and WPA3™ for enterprise-level protection.

• With Passpoint, the cumbersome process of Wi-Fi registration is a thing of the past. Guests no longer have to fiddle with network settings or remember multiple passwords. As they move between properties, their connection remains uninterrupted, providing a consistent and hassle-free browsing experience throughout their stay.

• Effortless Network Selection – Devices find the best available network automatically.
• Seamless Hotspot Transitions – Stay connected without dropping signals.
• Robust Security Features – Uses WPA3™ encryption for safer public WiFi access.

Passpoint enhances the WiFi experience for mobile users by offering:

• Effortless Connectivity – Devices connect automatically without manual selection.
• Enhanced Security – Encrypted connections protect against unauthorized access.
• Smart Network Selection – Devices prioritize the best available network for reliable performance.

• Hospitality brands often operate numerous properties under various brand names, yet they might manage a unified loyalty program. Without Passpoint, guests must either manually select each hotel's network or configure their devices to recognize multiple networks. Passpoint, however, allows for a single profile that represents the loyalty program across all venues. This means when a guest arrives at any affiliated hotel, their device can automatically detect and connect to the network.

Passpoint offers substantial value to carriers, service providers, and IT managers by enhancing network capabilities and user engagement. Here's how:

• Enhanced Mobile Data Management - Passpoint facilitates efficient mobile data offloading, reducing the burden on cellular networks by seamlessly transitioning users to available Wi-Fi connections. This helps in optimizing network resources and improving service quality for users.
• Seamless Connectivity and Collaboration - It enables Wi-Fi roaming agreements among different carriers and service providers, ensuring users experience uninterrupted connectivity even when moving between various network providers. This feature promotes collaboration and expands the reach of service networks.
• User Engagement and Network Utilization - By supporting Wi-Fi-based services like Wi-Fi calling, Passpoint creates avenues for further user engagement. It allows service providers to introduce innovative offerings and glean additional insights from user interactions, thereby extracting more value from the network.
• Streamlined Network Management - for enterprise and private networks, Passpoint simplifies device provisioning and credential management. This streamlined approach enhances network security and makes it easier for IT managers to maintain and manage large-scale deployments efficiently.

Overall, Passpoint empowers these entities by offering tools that lead to better service delivery and increased operational efficiencies.

• Carrier offloading using Passpoint can be deployed in businesses, public spaces, and enterprise environments where seamless and secure WiFi connectivity is needed. This includes retail stores, hotels, airports, stadiums, smart cities, and corporate offices. The goal is to provide automatic, secure connections for users while reducing the strain on cellular networks. 

• AT&T, FirstNet (police, fire dept., etc.), Cricket Wireless, and Consumer Cellular. Coming soon are Xfinity Mobile, Spectrum, Cox, and possibly T-Mobile for indoor coverage.

Passpoint leverages a suite of standards and specifications to enhance wireless network connectivity and security. It incorporates components from several IEEE protocols:

1. IEEE 802.1X: Essential for controlling network access through authentication mechanisms.
2. IEEE 802.11u: This standard enables seamless interaction between different networks, facilitating better connectivity.
3. IEEE 802.11i: Focused on security enhancements to protect wireless communications.

Additionally, Passpoint employs WPA3™-Enterprise security for robust encryption and authentication. It also integrates various mechanisms outlined by the Wi-Fi Alliance, ensuring comprehensive and secure wireless network management.

Passpoint uses multiple security layers, including:

• Protected Management Frames (PMF) – Prevents tampering with network communications.
• Advanced Protocols – Uses IEEE 802.11u for seamless, secure connectivity.
• WPA2 & WPA3 Authentication – Provides strong encryption against cyber threats.
• EAP Authentication Protocol – Ensures only authorized devices can connect.

Passpoint employs:

• WPA2 & WPA3 Encryption – Securely encrypts network traffic.
• Individualized Data Encryption – Protects against brute-force attacks.
• Automatic Threat Detection – Blocks rogue networks and unauthorized access.

1. End-to-End Data Encryption – Prevents hackers from intercepting user information.
2. Automatic Network Validation – Ensures only verified networks are used.
3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Adds an extra security layer for enterprise users.
4. Regular Security Updates – Protects against evolving cyber threats.
5. Device Identity Protection – Hides user information from potential attackers.
6. Enterprise-Level Access Controls – Businesses can enforce security policies for employees and guests.

• By minimizing the need for multiple network configurations, hotels can reduce IT overhead and streamline network management. This increase in operational efficiency translates to cost savings, allowing resources to be allocated to other crucial areas of guest service and hospitality enhancements.
• In summary, Passpoint not only simplifies guest connectivity but also enhances overall efficiency for hospitality businesses, making it a substantial asset in the competitive hotel industry landscape.

• In most deployments, internet backhaul usage increases by 10% or less, even with significantly more connected devices. In certain environments like retail stores, the increase is as little as 1%.

• Voice calls are controlled by the mobil3 device and operator's network. The data traverses the local network in an encrypted tunnel. While heuristic rules identify W-Fi based calls, it cannot know which numbers dialed.
• Operators have developed protocols to handle emergency Wi-Fi based calls and route them to the appropriate response center based on the caller's location. Operators who support e911 over Wi-Fi calling do so in compliance with current regulatory requirements.

• Carrier Offload involves dynamically switching from cellular to Wi-Fi networks when a Wi-Fi network is available and meets the quality of service requirements. This process is supported by protocols that manage credentials and security automatically, ensuring a seamless user experience.
• View Carrier Offload Diagram
• View Conventional Carrier Wi-Fi
• View OpenRoaming Diagram

• Any enterprise-grade Wi-Fi equipment that supports Hotspot 2.0 / Passpoint can be integrated. Carriers are asking for Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7, which are considered carrier-grade. Wi-Fi 5 can still be on-boarded in the short-term, but may not be chosen for data offload by all carriers or receive as  much revenue for data offload. A  wide range of enterprise Wi-Fi equipment, is compatible,  including:

  • Aruba

  • Cambium

  • Cisco Meraki

  • EdgeCore

  • Extreme Networks

  • Juniper Mist

  • Ruckus

  • Ubiquiti

Passpoint technology undergoes rigorous testing on a variety of equipment to ensure seamless connectivity and compatibility. Here are the categories of devices that are tested and certified:

• Network Infrastructure Devices: These include access points and other networking hardware that facilitate Wi-Fi connections.
• Mobile Devices: Smartphones from popular brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google are tested to guarantee a smooth user experience.
• Portable Gadgets: Tablets and notebooks are evaluated to ensure they can connect easily and stay connected efficiently.

Passpoint certification is available for both devices with SIM cards, such as many smartphones, and non-SIM devices like certain tablets and laptops. This broad testing spectrum ensures that users can enjoy a reliable connection across different device types and brands.

• Passpoint automates WiFi roaming by detecting and connecting to certified partner networks. This provides seamless, secure global WiFi access without requiring users to log in manually. 

Yes, but it depends on:

1. Hardware Compatibility – Some devices already have Passpoint-ready silicon.
2. Software Updates – If the firmware supports updates, Passpoint can be enabled.
3. Certification – Devices may require re-certification for Passpoint compatibility.

• Passpoint standardizes secure, automatic WiFi roaming across multiple networks worldwide. It improves:

  • User Experience – Eliminates repeated logins and manual configurations.
  • Network Performance – Optimizes authentication for faster connections.
  • Device Compatibility – Ensures seamless connectivity across different networks.

• Legacy devices can connect but:

  • Require manual selection – No auto-authentication or security enhancements.
  • Lack seamless roaming – Users must manually re-select networks when moving.
  • Can use open SSIDs – Networks can broadcast both Passpoint and open WiFi for compatibility.

• Passpoint enhances service provider branding and customer relationships by allowing mobile devices to smoothly connect to preferred networks without interruptions. This is done by automatically selecting networks from a list of chosen providers, prioritizing either direct or partner networks.
• For providers aiming to deliver a seamless and managed user experience, the process of authentication is streamlined. This means that customers can connect easily without repeatedly inputting credentials, which bolsters satisfaction and encourages loyalty.
• Moreover, Passpoint networks offer the option for service providers to display a click-through screen. This screen can be used to ensure users agree to terms and conditions or as an opportunity to reinforce the provider's brand presence. By integrating these elements, providers can maintain clear and direct communication with users, fostering stronger customer relationships and reinforcing brand identity in the digital space.

• Passpoint technology indeed supports mobile data offload over Wi-Fi. By facilitating seamless connectivity, Passpoint enables mobile operators and internet service providers to efficiently redirect mobile data to Wi-Fi networks. This offloading process not only relieves congestion on cellular networks but also enhances user experience by ensuring faster and more reliable connections. Consequently, both operators and consumers benefit from improved network performance and cost-effective data management solutions.

• Passpoint technology plays a significant role in enhancing connectivity options, but does it support voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi)? The answer hinges on its capability to facilitate secure and seamless connections.