The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) has introduced an updated framework for managing residential Wi-Fi networks. This new release is part of the “Operator Managed Wi-Fi (OMWi): Reference Architecture and Requirements” technical report, featuring implementations from partners like the prpl Foundation and RDK-B.
This update integrates key standards such as Wi-Fi Alliance’s Wi-Fi EasyMesh and Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Data Elements, along with Broadband Forum’s User Services Platform (USP) Data Models. Tiago Rodrigues, CEO of the WBA, expressed enthusiasm, noting, “The updated OMWi framework is a key step forward in helping operators better manage the residential Wi-Fi experience for their customers, which has become the principal way devices access the internet in the home.”
Industry leaders including Airties, Nokia, Deutsche Telekom, and CommScope are backing solutions based on this architecture, indicating broad industry support.
The revised framework offers solutions to crucial aspects like standardized management protocols, improved multi-AP mesh network architecture, simplified deployment, and advanced self-healing features. It aims to streamline operations for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) while enhancing user experience.
Metin Taskin, WBA Board Member and CEO of Airties, said, “This OMWi 2.0 report specifies the industry standards and open-source solutions to simplify integrations and deployments, enabling ISPs to focus more of their efforts on improving the quality of experience for their broadband customers.”
Nokia has already utilized this framework, deploying a production version of its Corteca Home Controller with Singtel. Pedro Caldeira dos Santos of Deutsche Telekom applauded the initiative, stating, “Deutsche Telekom is proud to contribute to the OMWi initiative, which marks a transformative step in the evolution of residential Wi-Fi.”
Looking forward, the WBA plans to launch OMWi Phase 3 in 2025. This will involve a compliance program featuring an expanded telemetry component and an endorsed testing suite. Such initiatives will pave the way for vendors and service providers to achieve OMWi certification, aiming to ensure high-quality, seamlessly managed Wi-Fi connectivity globally.
