7 Compelling Reasons Why OpenWiFi Appeals to Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
OpenWiFi, an initiative led by the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) since 2019, was driven by the buyer community rather than technology providers. This architecture offers an open-source framework for managing Wi-Fi and network switches, which has garnered significant attention from Managed Service Providers (MSPs). OpenWiFi provides MSPs with a flexible, cost-effective, and scalable solution that addresses many of the challenges they face when deploying and managing Wi-Fi networks in environments such as multi-dwelling units (MDUs), hospitality, and other verticals.
During a recent webinar hosted by Maravedis Research , a wireless infrastructure analyst firm, on September 17, 2024, industry experts discussed Managed Connectivity Trends in Multi-Family Units and explored why OpenWiFi is gaining popularity among MSPs. Participants included Bernard Herscovici , CEO of NetExperience , Teng Tai Hsu , Product Vice President from Edgecore Wi-Fi , and Dan Myers , President of DojoNetworks . Their discussion highlighted how OpenWiFi addresses key challenges MSPs face, such as cost management, flexibility, and scalability. Here, we summarize the seven key points from the webinar:
1. Vendor Independence and Flexibility
One of the primary reasons MSPs are attracted to OpenWiFi is its open-source nature, which eliminates the vendor lock-in typical of traditional Wi-Fi solutions. Bernard and Dan both emphasized how OpenWiFi enables MSPs to select from various hardware vendors while maintaining compatibility and interoperability, ensuring competitive pricing and reducing supply chain risks. Dan shared that Dojo Networks, which has maintained partnerships with large network suppliers for years, is now testing multiple vendor solutions to avoid reliance on a single supplier. This flexibility is crucial for MSPs deploying large-scale Wi-Fi solutions across diverse environments.
2. Cost Efficiency
Cost efficiency emerged as a recurrent theme during the webinar. Dan pointed out the critical importance of managing the price-to-performance ratio and total cost of ownership over time, including expenses related to on-site technician visits (truck rolls) and equipment failures. MSPs are under constant pressure to minimize costs while delivering high-quality services. OpenWiFi reduces both capital expenditure (CapEx) and operational expenditure (OpEx) by offering disaggregated hardware options and lowering software licensing fees. Moreover, the ability to source hardware from multiple vendors helps MSPs manage long-term costs, a key factor in remaining profitable in competitive markets.
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3. Scalability and Customization
OpenWiFi's scalable architecture makes it ideal for large deployments in environments like MDUs, senior living communities, and hospitality. Its centralized management platform allows MSPs to oversee multiple sites without requiring extensive on-site infrastructure, which is a significant advantage when handling large property portfolios. Additionally, OpenWiFi's flexibility enables MSPs to offer customized services, tailoring solutions to specific client needs — from basic connectivity to more advanced smart-home integrations.
4. Cloud-Based Management
Cloud-native management is another appealing feature of OpenWiFi for MSPs. Bernard highlighted how OpenWiFi's cloud architecture improves operational efficiency by enabling remote monitoring and management. This reduces the need for on-site interventions, lowering operational costs while enhancing scalability. According to Bernard, "The cloud platform allows MSPs to manage disaggregated networks from a central location, providing real-time troubleshooting and optimization, which is critical for large-scale deployments like MDUs."
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5. Future-Proof Technology
As noted by Adlane Fellah , Chief Analyst of Maravedis, during the webinar, OpenWiFi is designed to be future-proof, supporting upcoming technologies like Wi-Fi 7 and IoT integrations. This ensures that MSPs can remain competitive as new technologies emerge. OpenWiFi's ability to quickly adapt to new standards and innovations is vital in a fast-evolving market, offering MSPs a long-term, sustainable solution.
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6. Enhanced Performance in Dense Environments
For MSPs serving high-density environments like MDUs, OpenWiFi's ability to manage congested networks is critical. Bernard explained that OpenWiFi’s architecture is optimized for congested areas, resulting in improved coverage, better roaming, and lower latency. In dense environments, the ability to seamlessly manage multiple access points from various vendors ensures high performance, even in scenarios with heavy traffic and numerous devices. This leads to reduced interference, better user satisfaction, and improved client retention. TengTai also shared the Edgecore Wi-Fi’s success stories where OpenWiFi was deployed in dense environments like student housing, hotels, and airports, all of which benefitted from its performance capabilities.
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7. Strong Ecosystem and Industry Support
OpenWiFi has rapidly gained traction in the industry, with a growing ecosystem of hardware and software providers, including major players like Edgecore Wi-Fi and NetExperience. Edgecore Wi-Fi, the first vendor to create TIP-ready access points and enterprise switches, aims to accelerate OpenWiFi adoption. Their portfolio includes a full range of wired and wireless products, complemented by professional consulting services that cover device-to-cloud integration. OpenWiFi is supported by a global community, ensuring continuous development and collaborative problem-solving, which reassures MSPs that the platform will evolve and be supported over time.
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Conclusion and Future Outlook
OpenWiFi represents a strategic opportunity for MSPs to offer more flexible, cost-effective, and scalable Wi-Fi solutions. By eliminating vendor lock-in, reducing costs, and enabling advanced features such as cloud management and smart-home integration, OpenWiFi is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of connectivity in MDUs, hospitality, senior living, and beyond.
In addition to OpenWiFi, TIP is also developing the OpenLAN Switching (OLS) solution. Edgecore Wi-Fi, as a major contributor, continues to launch OLS switches to further enhance the OpenWiFi ecosystem, including cloud controllers, access points, and enterprise switches. OpenWiFi's innovation makes it a compelling option for MSPs looking to stay competitive and offer cutting-edge services in a rapidly changing market.
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Chief Analyst & Founder at Maravedis LLC, CWNA, and CWTS | Judge for Glomo, WBA, Glotel Fierce Awards| 2024 SXSW Innovation Awards Evaluator| Investor and Advisor in Tech Start-Ups-
2 个月Great blog from Edgecore. We're on the verge of a major shift, with API-first approaches gaining prominence in the WiFi space, much like what's happening with 5G – as seen in Ericsson's initiative to unite service providers around common APIs. The era of closed systems is fading, and only the best-in-class solutions will be able to retain clients through value, rather than proprietary lock-ins.