To ensure trouble-free operation of its global virtual network, iPass uses a combination of Enterprise Ready Certification and an advanced service quality management system for monitoring the quality of user connections.
Enterprise Ready Certification
Before an access provider network becomes part of the iPass Platform, it must meet stringent reliability requirements and pass extensive interoperability tests with leading VPNs, personal firewalls, intrusion detection systems, anti-virus software and access gateways. This prequalification process ensures that iPass connectivity services always integrate seamlessly with enterprise network environments, leveraging their existing hardware, applications, security software and management tools.
To achieve Enterprise Ready Certification, access providers must:
Support the RADIUS protocol for user authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA).
Ensure real-time delivery of RADIUS accounting records to iPass software-based systems.
Deploy and maintain redundant iPass systems on their network.
Support IPSec, SSL and PPTP VPN services and different configurations settings.
Provide 24x7 monitoring in their network operations center.
Service Quality Management
Once a provider network is added to the iPass global virtual network, iPass monitors the actual user experience of their access points using its patented Service Quality Management (SQM) system. The system allows iPass to monitor, measure, model and optimize the actual user connection experience.
Here's how it works: Modules within the iPassConnect™ mobility manager automatically capture detailed status and usage information during every connection attempt—both successful and unsuccessful. These modules record access points used, client configurations, error codes, connection speeds, time to authenticate and other critical information. Whenever a successful connection is made, information is uploaded to iPass. iPass uses this data to proactively work with network providers to improve their access point performance as well as prioritize access points within the iPass phonebook.
iPass RoamServer Management
As part of the iPass connectivity architecture, each enterprise customer installs redundant copies of the iPass RoamServer software to interface between iPass systems and the enterprise AAA server. iPass monitors RoamServers installed at customer sites for failed authentication attempts due to connectivity issues. This allows iPass to notify IT of potential problems.
Hosted Authentication
iPass maintains a high level of redundancy and proactive network monitoring across its connectivity architecture. For this reason, many companies choose iPass to host their AAA database to simplify their user database structure and provide better business continuity.
iPass supplies the customer with a hosted, managed authentication system residing in our hardened Transaction Centers, accessible by the customer through a secure Web interface. By using iPass to host user authentication, companies can eliminate the need to integrate multiple user databases or deploy and test new software on the corporate network. In the event of a major interruption, such as a natural disaster or pandemic, corporate employees have the ability to work from a contingent location.
