Broadband company Casa Systems announced a collaboration with Hawaii-based neutral host provider Sun Global Broadband LLC, in which SGB will be using the company’s Axyom Wireless Access Gateway (WAG) to supply advanced user policy control and management for their island-wide, long-range WiFi network buildout with Smart City applications. The innovative solution enables SGB partners like wireless service providers and tourism companies to offer their customers distinct, revenue-generating WiFi services.
By using Casa’s Axyom WAG, Sun Global Broadband’s network automatically authenticates customers without requiring a special login or key, enabling connectivity throughout the entire WiFi coverage area. Contrary to controller-based solutions (which can be extremely complicated to operate), Casa’s software-based WAG allows SBG to easily isolate different user groups and device types on the network in a simple user-friendly manner. This also pertains to network device types, along with setting, managing, and enforcing different sets of policies across and within those groups.
“By giving us the unique ability to segment and manage policies at a such granular level, Casa’s WAG has been invaluable in helping us deliver on the full potential of our strategic, long-range WiFi network,” says SGB CEO and Chairman Edward Sun. “Not only are we able to open up new revenue generation possibilities for SGB, we’re extending that same advantage to our partners who can now create a full range of robust, on-island WiFi packages tailored to meet the needs and interests of individual groups. This capability to aggregate user communities in real-time allows people to be mobile – alone but not lonely.”
SGB’s long-range WiFi network will offer high-performance and availability for services like HD video streaming, VoWiFi, and Smart City applications. The first phase of the island-wide project has already been completed, and included outdoor network coverage in the Diamond Head, Waikiki, Ala Moana, along with Ward Village areas on Oahu. Sun Global Broadband also agreed to integrate indoor WiFi with major venues and businesses throughout the island.
“As neutral host operators like SGB continue to gain momentum, the ability to offer unique, value-added services is paramount to the success of the entire ecosystem – from the neutral host to its partners, like MNOs and enterprises, as well as the customers,” says Casa Systems CEO Jerry Guo. “The flexibility of our software-based WAG gives neutral hosts an unmatched ability to maximize the revenue potential of their network investment while offering unlimited new WiFi service possibilities for their partners and customers.”
Casa’s Axyom WAG is an access point independent virtualized gateway that provides intelligent data plane management and processing. The gateway combines policy and virtualization, shifting key functions from CPEE onto a data center appliance or to the cloud. This enables mass customization of the WiFi experience, leading to more monetization opportunities and quicker service generation.
