The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) has released an updated operator managed wifi (OMWi) report that includes enhanced technical and operational requirements for improving residential wifi.

It has also introduced open-source, OMWi-compliant implementations from partners such as the Prpl Foundation and RDK-B, delivering a framework for deploying and managing residential wifi, addressing global operator needs through the integration of key standards and open-source platforms.

The OMWi architecture integrates industry standards, including Wifi Alliance’s Wifi EasyMesh, Wifi Certified Data Elements, and Broadband Forum’s USP user services platform TR-369 and TR-181 data models. These standards collectively ensure the architecture is scalable and interoperable, guiding operators in engaging with equipment vendors on shared specifications.

The updated framework concludes phase two of the OMWi programme, defining a standardised reference architecture that streamlines wifi management by unifying data collection, network configuration and optimisation processes across systems, reducing dependence on fragmented, proprietary options.

Industry players such as Airties, Nokia, Deutsche Telekom, Prpl Foundation, MaxLinear, CableLabs, LGU+, RDK and CommScope have actively demonstrated products based on the OMWi architecture, contributing to the development of a compliance mechanism.

The OMWi framework addresses key needs for deploying and managing residential wifi so operators can better manage the residential wifi experience for their customers:

• Standardised wifi management: With wifi as the primary means of internet access for most users, and ISPs increasingly handling wifi support, standardised management is essential for avoiding proprietary systems that limit compatibility across vendors and hardware. The OMWi framework provides a unified approach to wifi management.
• Enhanced architecture and interoperability: Release two expands the architecture to support multi-AP mesh networks, topology management and self-healing, making it easier for ISPs to manage complex deployments. It supports interoperability with wifi standards up to Wifi 7, enabling integration of diverse AP configurations and third-party applications.
• Streamlined deployment: Phase two emphasises smooth deployments with features such as automatic configuration, mobile app installation guidance, loop prevention and optimised channel management, ensuring stability in various settings.
• Operation and self-healing: New self-healing features, including automated channel management and client steering, enhance resilience. The architecture also supports offline operation, enabling local control when cloud connectivity is unavailable.
• Remote management and diagnostics: Remote diagnostics allow operators to monitor network performance proactively, reducing on-site calls and enhancing user satisfaction while ensuring data protection.
• Firmware and security enhancements: A coordinated firmware upgrade system supports secure updates across multi-AP networks, with WPA3 security for end-to-end protection.
• Real-world implementations and industry support: Phase two includes practical examples from the Prpl Foundation and RDK-B, aiding faster adoption. Broad industry support highlights the architecture’s relevance and alignment with future wifi needs.

“The updated OMWi framework is a key step forward in helping operators better manage the residential wifi experience for their customers, which has become the principal way devices access the internet in the home,” said Tiago Rodrigues, WBA CEO. “Introducing open-source OMWi compliant implementations will drive greater cross industry interoperability for data collection, remote management and mesh formation. The move away from countless proprietary standards will be cost-effective for operators and improve the end-user experience.”

In phase three, expected to begin next year, the WBA plans to launch a compliance programme that will include an expanded telemetry component and an endorsed testing suite. This suite will offer a self-service test kit or authorised lab testing, providing vendors and service providers with an accessible path to OMWi certification. Certified organisations can assure customers of consistent, reliable functionality across OMWi-compliant networks, solidifying OMWi as an industry standard.

Learn how OMWi provides a framework for deploying and managing residential Wi-Fi by downloading the technical report at wballiance.com/omwi-phase-2.