MetaBlox and The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) #
MetaBlox is bringing free, seamless, and global WiFi coverage to the world with its decentralized OpenRoaming network. Built using blockchain technology, this global network is being deployed by individual WiFi users and hosts thanks to unique mining opportunities for both.
WiFi OpenRoaming is a special technology developed by members of the wireless broadband alliance, which includes leading companies from across the telco industry. Local WiFi networks with OpenRoaming capabilities allow devices to automatically switch connections between these networks, even if they are provided by different ISPs or WiFi operators. Integrating enough local networks under OpenRoaming can therefore result in seamless, continuous WiFi connectivity unhindered by login screens.
After briefly describing the revolutionary technology underlying MetaBlox’s OpenRoaming network, this article will explain the opportunities it brings for WiFi users everywhere, and its relationship to the Wireless Broadband Alliance’s existing OpenRoaming network.
Decentralized OpenRoaming #
Connections to MetaBlox’s OpenRoaming network are established following a fully decentralized, on-chain authentication protocol which ensures that users’ data remains self-sovereign and out of central databases.
More specifically, WiFi logins at any MetaBlox OpenRoaming hotspot (or local network) are carried out by blockchain nodes that verify the users’ Decentralized Identity credential (or DID) in a mining process. While users, of course, connect at a particular node, all MetaBlox routers work together to verify their DID credentials.
As a result of this process MetaBlox’s routers are miners, and they will produce MCoins which will be stackable for MBLX tokens after the project’s IDO in 2023.
To access MetaBlox’s global OpenRoaming network while earning rewards, download the MetaBlox app for a free DID credential. After initial setup, users don’t have to open the app again to enjoy automatic connections at OpenRoaming hotspots.
MetaBlox and WBA OpenRoaming #
While MetaBlox is pioneering decentralized WiFi OpenRoaming via blockchain technology, other members of the Wireless Broadband Alliance have already deployed over 2 million standard OpenRoaming hotspots worldwide.These access points are not miners, but they can also be accessed by MetaBlox users via their DID. Like with connections at MetaBlox miners, connections at any other WBA OpenRoaming hotspot are seamless, automatic, and protected by enterprise-level security.
OpenRoaming hotspots are present in a diverse range of locations:
• Hotels and convention centers
• Airports and other transportation hubs
• Educational institutions
• Businesses like retailers, restaurants, and cafes
• Sports and concert venues
• Office buildings
• Public places like parks, libraries, and government buildings
Read more about the WBA’s OpenRoaming federation.
OpenRoaming Identity Providers #
MetaBlox and other members of the Wireless Broadband Alliance provide WiFi users with OpenRoaming credentials (such as the DID). These IDs represent users’ online identities, and allow them to access OpenRoaming services worldwide. But since only MetaBlox provides users with DIDs to access WiFi decentrally, it is the WBA’s first Web3-native OpenRoaming identity provider. Using other credentials to access OpenRoaming WiFi does not offer the mining opportunities and other benefits mentioned above.
