What is the Wi-Fi Alliance Wi-Fi CERTIFIED EasyMesh™Program about? · 2018-10-30 · In text material relating to the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos, the statement, “The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED

What is the Wi-Fi Alliance Wi-Fi CERTIFIED EasyMesh™ Program about? OpenWrt Summit Lisbon 2018Ian Wheelock, ARRIS

Copyright 2018 – ARRIS Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved

About Me

• Ian Wheelock

• Based in Cork, Ireland – http://goo.gl/QPM2gt

• Engineering Fellow with ARRIS for over 15 years

• ARRIS contributor to the initial Multi-AP spec provided to WFA

• Continue to support WFA/EasyMesh v2 as well as other programs like prpl

OpenWRT Summit Lisbon 2018

http://goo.gl/QPM2gt


Agenda

• Some background on WFA and Wi-Fi Issues• Why we need Multi-AP/EasyMesh• What EasyMesh is• Summary



WFA, MAP, EasyMeshWho or what are they?• WFA is the Wi-Fi Alliance– Standards creation body specifically for Wi-Fi topics – they created/trademarked the term “Wi-Fi”– They also create new standards to provide usable functionality on top of Wi-Fi – Over 800 global members (SoC, manufacturers and SW companies)

• MAP is the Multi-AP Technical Specification– This WFA specification defines how multiple Wi-Fi APs can be connected/configured together in a home– The standard includes a network protocol to allow interoperability between vendor devices– https://www.wi-fi.org/file/multi-ap-specification-v10

• Wi-Fi CERTIFIED EasyMesh is the certification program for MAP– The Wi-Fi EasyMesh certification validates the operation of the MAP network protocol in a device– WFA (and members) developed the cert program, over 170 test cases, for ATLs to conduct cert testing– WFA members (manufacturers and SW companies) can submit product for testing


https://www.wi-fi.org/file/multi-ap-specification-v10


Why do we need a mulC-access point standard?


Fantastic products, but physics rules!!

• Speeds increasing daily!• 400-1000Mbps+ speeds are available now• Single GW with Wi-Fi cannot match speeds• Wireless backhaul desirable• N600, AC1200, AC1750, AC3200• Practical throughput is very different


AC1200

AC1750

AC3200


Expected Home Wi-Fi Experience – using SINGLE-APWhy does anyone need Multiple Access Points?

Wal

l 1

Wal

l 2

Max performance

Max performance

100% Performance

Room #1 Room #2 Room #3 and beyond


Wal

l 1

Wal

l 2

Max performance

Min/No performance

Performance Reduction

Room #1 Room #2 Room #3 and beyond

Typical Home Wi-Fi Experience – using SINGLE-APWhy does anyone need MulBple Access Points?


• MAP spec developed in response to huge growth in retail whole-home Wi-Fi solutions

• None are interoperable!• Service Providers help subscribers deal with issues in their

home networks – extra retail devices complicate this function due to lack of visibility

• Wi-Fi support is a huge Opex cost in operators– Industry suggests a figure of about $1B annually

• Multi-AP Spec designed to provide interoperability and manageability of home AP devices (SP or retail)


Why do we need a Mul?-AP standard?


Manageability of network with SP GatewayPretty much full visibility in the home, some Wi-Fi issues!


Typical home Wi-Fi Network

Before Retail Extender

Operations Centre

Max performance Min/No

performancePerformance Reduction (no extenders)

Operations

HelpdeskTechnicians


When retail routers added to home…Little to no visibility in the home, maybe improve Wi-Fi?



After Retail Extender

Operations Centre

?

Max performance Min/No

performancePerformance improvement ??? – not clear!

Operations

HelpdeskTechnicians


When MAP extenders added to home…Full visibility, better Wi-Fi, better control over Wi-Fi



After MAP Extender

Operations Centre

Max performance

Improved performance/range (EasyMesh Extenders)Max performance

Operations

HelpdeskTechnicians


Why MAP is an alternative to adding retail extendersCosts of proprietary Wi-Fi solution on legacy HW platforms• Lots of proprietary development/integraBon per device and Cloud/Firmware

decisions


Wi-Fi RRM

AGENT

Prop Comms

Wi-Fi RRM

AGENT

PROP Comms

Wi-Fi RRM

AGENT

Prop Comms

Wi-Fi RRM Cloud


Wi-Fi RRM Cloud

Why MAP is an alternative to adding retail extendersLeverage SOC agents, intelligent controller algorithms• SIMPLE – SoC Agents – more opEons/plaHorm for intelligent algorithms


Innovation above the MAP LayerAgents provided

by SoC

ARRISHomeAssure

Cloud

MAPAgent

ARRISHomeAssure

HNC

Intelligence & control

MAP Ctlr

EasyMeshMAP Agent

MAP Agent


MAP/EasyMesh Details


WFA MAP Specification

• Defines the MAP network protocol operation, reusing IEEE 1905.1 standard• Two key components

• MAP protocol adds many tools to manage the details of the Wi-Fi network– On-boarding guarantees Wi-Fi passwords are setup correctly – no more misconfiguration– Enables the best fronthaul Wi-Fi channel to be configured on each extender– Enables steering of Wi-Fi devices to the best/most appropriate 2.4/5GHz band– Introduces standard way of communicating 4-address WDS operation between extenders– Enables reconfiguration of wired/wireless backhaul between extenders

• MAP has no built-in intelligence– more of a “toolbox” that intelligent layers can use to optimize and maximize the

performance of the home Wi-Fi network– About 30 new messages and TLVs added to 1905.1 for Wi-Fi management


MAP CONTROLLER + MAP AGENT

Copyright 2018 – ARRIS Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved OpenWRT Summit Lisbon 2018

MAP Components

14Multi-AP Member BriefingConfidential | © Wi-Fi Alliance

Multi-AP Example Deployment #1

• Controller co-located on Device 1 manages two agents– Agent on Device 1– Agent on Device 2

• STAs are steered to maximize performance

Backhaul STA

Fronthaul AP

Multi-AP Controller

Multi-AP Device 1

Multi-AP Device 2

Multi-AP Agent

Logical Ethernet

PortFronthaul

AP

Non-AP STA 2

Non-AP STA 1

Backhaul link (Wi-Fi or wired)

Wi-Fi Fronthaul link

Multi-AP control interface

Multi-AP Agent

Logical Ethernet

Port

• MAP CONTROLLER – Intelligent layer uses the controller to process MAP messages used to configure the MAP network devices. Normally resident in the primary Gateway• MAP AGENT – handles MAP protocol

messages to make Wi-Fi/Network changes in the Access Point it is linked with

• Controller manages the onboarding and configuraPon of new MAP devices added to the network

• Intelligent layer interacts with MAP Agents (via Controller) to make steering decisions based on system wide Wi-Fi informaPon

ARRIS HNC


Wi-Fi Backhaul• Defined & tested in MAP

• Interoperable between EasyMesh devices

• Multiple hops supported– Uses 802.11 WDS– 4-address mode– Avoids proprietary options

• Complete “wire-less” extender deployment possible


Wi-Fi Backhaul – Wi-Fi Mul/-HopARRIS HNC

Copyright 2018 – ARRIS Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved OpenWRT Summit Lisbon 2018

Key MAP Capabili.es/Func.ons

BandSteering

MAPAGT

WiredBackhaul

Client Steering

Channel Selec0on

MAPAGT

Wireless Backhaul

WDS

MAPAGT

{SSID/PSK/Enc}

Extender onboard & autoconf

MAPAGT

{SSID/PSK/Enc}

HomeNetwork

ControllerMAP

CTRLR

MAPAGT

Metrics &

Control


Wi-Fi Certified EasyMesh Program

• Wi-Fi Alliance Certification program

• Industry acceptance of MAP standard

• Service Providers can now use EasyMeshcertification/MAP support to define new products

• Conducted by WFA ATLs dotted around the world

• WFA Staff and MAP contributors developed program

• Significant work and effort involved– Creation of Test Specification and automation system– Cert program was launched June 18, 2018– ARRIS VAP4641 certified Aug 1, 2018– MediaTek AP3B-MT7615-MAP1TBV1 certified Sep 17, 2018


ARRI

S VA

P464

1

Wi-Fi Alliance Brand Styleguide — February 2009 6

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Logos (flat and dimensional versions)The Wi-Fi Alliance certifies interoperability of wireless networking equipment. The Wi-Fi Alliance administers the certification testing through authorized independent laboratories. Products that satisfy the certification testing requirements and comply with the program requirements may bear the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logo (flat or dimensional). The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logo indicates the product has undergone rigorous testing by the Wi-Fi Alliance and has demonstrated interoperability with other products including those from other companies that bear the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logo. In order to distinguish the IEEE 802.11 standards the product supports, the Wi-Fi Alliance also prescribes the use of Standard Indicator Icons (SII) in connection with the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logo. The SIIs further signal the standard the product supports (i.e., IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n draft 2.0) indicating backward compatibility with previous generations.

Prerequisites for Use of Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos (flat and dimensional versions). In order for a company to use the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos, (a) the company must be a member in good standing, (b) the product must successfully pass certification testing, and (c) the company must complete and comply with the post-testing administrative requirements.

Authorized Users.

Except as specifically provided in this Section, the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos may only be used by the Wi-Fi Alliance member that certified the product.

An affiliate of the member that the member has identified and formally registered through the Wi-Fi Alliance’s membership process (“Registered Member Affiliate”) may use the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logo (flat or dimensional) if:

(1) the Registered Member Affiliate is responsible for manufacture or marketing of the certified product,

(2) the Registered Member Affiliate executes the Certification Mark License Agreement,

(3) both the member and the Registered Member Affiliate comply with the requirements in this Manual and such additional requirements as the Wi-Fi Alliance may impose in connection with the use by the Registered Member Affiliate of the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logo (flat or dimensional).

A member or Registered Member Affiliate that is permitted to use the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos may authorize a third party to publish the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos as part of an advertisement for a certified product provided that the use of the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos comply with all Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logo requirements in this Manual. The member or Registered Member Affiliate, as applicable, will be solely responsible for the third party’s use of the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos and will be liable for any misuse of the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos by the third party. Once the member or Registered Member Affiliate is aware that a third party is incorrectly using the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos, the member or Registered Member Affiliate is required to immediately cause the third party to correct any use of the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos that are not in compliance with this Manual.

No other users are authorized. Neither a member nor a Registered Member Affiliate may “pass through” the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos and usage rights to an unregistered subsidiary or affiliate, an OEM, a distributor, a reseller, a dealer, or any other person or entity without consent from the Wi-Fi Alliance.

Obtaining the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos (flat and dimensional versions).A member may obtain the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos as a standalone marks and in combination with the SII (the “Certification Mark/SII Package”) in the members’ section of the Wi-Fi Alliance web site. The member must agree to the terms of the Certification Mark License Agreement before it may receive the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos through download or from the Wi-Fi Alliance office.

Notice Convention.In text material relating to the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos, the statement, “The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logo is a certification mark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.” should be used in addition to the appropriate notice symbol to indicate that the Wi-Fi Alliance owns the Logo.

See page 11 for all combinations of the logo and SII’s

EasyMesh


Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Data Elements

• Data Elements is a data model of Wi-Fi state informaEon• Based on data used by single-AP/mulE-AP systems to opEmise Wi-Fi– In reality, a lot of data extracted from EasyMesh TLVs

• Provides topology, device info and acEve Wi-Fi/networking state• Data used by operators to help manage Wi-Fi networks– Large analyEcs/machine learning plaRorms expected to consume data

• Uses JSON encoding of data over basic HTTP interface (for tes)ng)• Likely to be mapped to CWMP TR-181 extensions or other protocol• Publicly available – hXps://www.wi-fi.org/file/data-elements-dra[-specificaEon-package


https://www.wi-fi.org/file/data-elements-draft-specification-package


Ongoing work



WFA MAP/EasyMesh Release #2 feature summary

• Upgrade to MAP being targeted for December 2019 release

• Multi-AP R2 is enhancing to solve even more whole home coverage features

– Traffic Control – Prioritize, Separate, Direct (QoS)– Secured Onboarding, Configuring and Messaging – EasyConnect/DPP– Spectrum Optimization – better use of DFS channels– Increased Diagnostics – WFA Data Elements R2

• R2 Program being developed like MAP R1,

• Upgraded Certification program (EasyMesh R2) will be developed



OpenSource CommunityPRPL Founda6on• Multi-AP Release 1 Open Source• Portable framework targeting reuse on multiple platforms• Building on top of existing Linux framework (cfg80211, nl80211) and 1905.1

opensource stack• Testing and validation work also part of development• Future extension will likely include Data Elements• Also being used as part of joint Broadband Forum effort for ”intelligent Wi-Fi

Mesh Networks” - https://goo.gl/tYP6Gr• Broadband Forum launched their “Open Broadband (OB) Multi-AP” project


https://goo.gl/tYP6Gr

Any Questions?


Documents

What is the Wi-Fi Alliance Wi-Fi CERTIFIED EasyMesh™Program about? · 2018-10-30 · In text material relating to the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logos, the statement, “The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED