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IronWiFi

Passpoint API

Wi-Fi Passpoint, also called Hotspot 2.0, is a standard from the Wi-Fi Alliance. It lets devices automatically and securely connect to known networks without selecting an SSID or entering credentials each time. Passpoint aims to make Wi-Fi roaming as effortless as cellular.


How Wi-Fi Passpoint Works:


  1. Pre-Authentication & Provisioning:

    • A device is provisioned with a Passpoint profile—this could be installed manually or pushed by a carrier or organization.

    • The profile includes credentials (e.g. SIM-based, username/password, or certificate), information about trusted networks, and roaming partner info.

  2. Automatic Discovery:

    • When you're in range of a Passpoint-enabled Wi-Fi network, your device automatically recognizes it using metadata broadcasted by the access point (SSID, operator name, etc.).

  3. Secure Connection:

    • The device initiates a secure connection using 802.1X and EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) methods.

    • Authentication happens in the background—either using a SIM (for cellular providers), certificate, or stored credentials.

  4. Roaming Support:

    • Just like with mobile networks, if the Passpoint network is part of a roaming agreement (e.g., between different ISPs or mobile operators), your device can connect even if it's not your "home" network.


Key Benefits:

  • Seamless Connectivity: No more logging into captive portals or manually selecting networks.

  • Security: Connections are encrypted and use enterprise-grade authentication.

  • Roaming: Works across different Wi-Fi providers that have agreements in place (like cellular roaming).

  • Efficiency: Saves battery and bandwidth by intelligently selecting high-quality networks.


Real-World Use Cases:

  • Airports, hotels, stadiums: Users automatically connect to Wi-Fi as long as they have a Passpoint profile installed.

  • Mobile carriers: Offload data from congested cellular networks to trusted Wi-Fi networks (e.g., AT&T, T-Mobile use Passpoint for Wi-Fi offloading).

  • Enterprise and education: Organizations use Passpoint to provide secure, seamless Wi-Fi for employees or students.


For a setup example, visit https://osu.ironwifi.com to install a Passpoint profile.


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