The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) has released the "Private 5G and Wi-Fi Convergence Report: Phase 2 - Technical Considerations," outlining strategies for integrating Wi-Fi and Private 5G networks. This report builds upon previous findings and aims to enhance the management, cost-effectiveness, and user experience of enterprise networks.
Since 2017, WBA has advocated for the benefits of combining licensed and unlicensed wireless technologies, focusing on the synergy between 5G and Wi-Fi. While both technologies serve distinct roles, their convergence can offer substantial advantages in various applications. Advances such as WBA OpenRoaming™ and improved Quality of Service (QoS) in Wi-Fi have helped bridge performance gaps, enabling a more cohesive operational environment.
The report details architectural considerations and technical solutions that facilitate this integration, providing a roadmap for enterprises to maximise the benefits of both networks. This convergence allows businesses to harness the high-speed, low-latency advantages of 5G while benefiting from the extensive coverage and flexibility provided by Wi-Fi.
Key proposals within the report include the use of RADIUS-based authentication for 5G devices, which aims to unify identity management across both networks. This approach allows for a singular policy enforcement on sessions, improving network management and user experience.
Additional technical solutions discussed include:
- Wi-Fi Fast Transition Domain for Private 5G: This standardised method accelerates the initial connection to Wi-Fi by leveraging session keys generated during 5G access authentication, potentially reducing connection establishment time by over 90%.
- Service Mapping Between Networks: This feature ensures that both Wi-Fi and Private 5G networks maintain awareness of service identifiers, facilitating seamless service continuity.
- IP Address Preservation and Seamless Mobility: This allows user devices to connect to both networks with distinct IP configurations, ensuring consistent application performance.
Tiago Rodrigues, CEO of WBA, remarked on the importance of this convergence, stating, “The convergence and coexistence of Wi-Fi and Private 5G play an important role in shaping the future of wireless networking.” He emphasised the value of establishing standards that benefit operators, enterprises, and users alike.
Looking ahead, a new phase will commence in 2025, focusing on developing industry standards for RAT Roaming, Access Traffic Steering (ATSSS), and Quality of Experience (QoE) metrics. This initiative aims to enhance network interoperability and user-centric services, enabling enterprises to exploit the combined strengths of both technologies.
Matt MacPherson, Wireless CTO at Cisco, added that the convergence offers policy-based segmentation aligned with business needs, providing enterprises with greater control over their network environments.
