Full re-use of existing GSM operators' authentication and billing systems makes the solution easy to deploy, secure and affordable
PARIS - Axalto, formerly known as Schlumberger Smart Cards and Terminals, today announced the first WLAN-SIM smart card authentication solution for Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) devices. The solution, to be demonstrated at Cartes 2003 on a Hewlett Packard iPAQ 5550, shows that smart card-based authentication for WLAN can be successfully implemented across a number of devices and operating systems, and can ensure transparent switching between different wireless networks such as GSM or WLAN.
The portability and growing usage of PDA devices make them a popular choice for accessing WLAN services from public hotspots. However, Public WLAN hotspots do not provide global coverage. Mobile network operators are in a unique position to offer combined subscription to WLAN and GSM/GPRS enabling the user to select at any time the best possible network: high bandwidth access via WLAN when close to a public hotspot, and GSM/GPRS connection to complete the coverage everywhere else.
The Axalto authentication solution, based on 802.1X and WPA (WiFi Protected Access) uses the SIM card inside a GSM/GPRS device connected to the PDA to perform WLAN authentication through the EAP-SIM protocol.
Maurice Marks, chief technology officer for Hewlett Packard telecom business comments : "Such a solution offers strong security and transparent use for the consumer concerned about the confidentiality of his/her data."
"Our solution enables mobile network operators to lower the deployment cost of WLAN services by reusing their existing GSM infrastructure, including authentication systems and customer billing systems, says Philippe Vrignaud, mobile communications director of Axalto. Value-added services can be conveniently offered on top of this solution, such as VPN (Virtual Private Network) access to corporate networks, or voice over WLAN."
WiFi is a trademark of the WiFi Alliance
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About Axalto
Axalto, formerly known as Schlumberger Smart Cards & Terminals, is the world's leading provider of microprocessor cards (Gartner 2003, Frost & Sullivan 2003) - the key to digital networks - and a major supplier of point-of-sale terminals. Its 4500 employees serve customers in more than 100 countries, with worldwide sales exceeding 2.8 billion smart cards to date. The company has more than 20 years experience in smart card innovation and leads its industry in security technology and open systems.
Axalto continuously creates new generations of products for use in a variety of applications in the telecommunications, finance, retail, transport, entertainment, healthcare, personal identification, information technology and public sector markets. Smart card solutions provide convenience, security and privacy to public and private services operators, their customers and end users. For more information, visit us at www.axalto.com
About HP
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing for consumers, enterprises and small and medium businesses. For the last four quarters, HP revenue totaled $71.3 billion. More information about HP is available at www.hp.com
For further information, contact:
Emmanuelle Saby
Public Relations Manager
Tel: + 33 1 46 00 71 04
Mobile: + 33 6 09 10 76 10
esaby@axalto.com
© Press Release 2006
