What is Passpoint?
An improved method for connecting to Wi-Fi hotspots from the Wi-Fi Alliance. Authentication is performed automatically and silently by the compliant mobile device and hotspot without the user having to do anything.
Also known as “Hotspot 2.0,” cable companies use Passpoint to enhance their service offerings. Cable subscribers identify themselves one time on their mobile device, and they connect automatically to any cable Wi-Fi hotspot they come into. In 2010, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Cablevision agreed to provide interoperability among all their hotspots of which there are thousands in the big cities.
Falling under the IEEE 802.11u specification, Passpoint uses EAP authentication protocols and the WPA2-Enterprise protocol for encryption. See EAP, WPA and 802.11u.
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint™ launched in 2012 as an industry-wide solution to streamline network access in hotspots and eliminate the need for users to find and authenticate a network each time they connect. In Wi-Fi networks that do not support Passpoint, users must search for and choose a network, request the connection to the access point (AP) each time, and in many cases, must re-enter their authentication credentials. Passpoint automates that entire process, enabling a seamless connection between hotspot networks and mobile devices, all while delivering the highest WPA2™ security. Passpoint is enabling a more cellular-like experience when connecting to Wi-Fi networks.
Passpoint was developed in Wi-Fi Alliance® through partnerships between mobile device manufacturers, network equipment vendors, and operators. Passpoint reflects the depth and breadth of that collaboration as a great solution for end users, network operators, and device vendors.
– See more at: http://www.wi-fi.org/discover-wi-fi/wi-fi-certified-passpoint#sthash.ktVpiHqu.dpuf
