How does the upgraded MAC Randomization in iOS 18 significantly affects Guest WiFi?

iOS 18 and MAC Randomization: Impacts and Solutions for Guest WiFi

iOS 18 and MAC Randomization: Impacts and Solutions for Guest WiFi inPiazza

iOS 18 and MAC Randomization: Impacts and Solutions for Guest WiFi

What is MAC randomization and how does it work?

MAC Randomization is a privacy feature that allows devices, like smartphones and tablets, to periodically change their Media Access Control (MAC) address, the unique identifier used to connect to WiFi networks. Traditionally, a device’s MAC address remained static, allowing networks to identify the device and track returns over time on the same network. However, with MAC Randomization, the MAC address is automatically changed when the device connects to a new network. This makes it harder for third parties to track a user’s movement and activity across different WiFi networks, enhancing user privacy.
MAC Randomization is important because it protects users from being profiled or tracked based on their device’s MAC address, especially when they connect to public WiFi networks. It reduces the risk of personal data being collected without consent, improving online anonymity.

While this change is beneficial for users in terms of privacy, it can make it more difficult for them to access guest Wi-Fi networks in public areas, airports, shopping centers because they cannot be automatically recognized upon their return.

What’s changed with iOS 18?

With the release of iOS 18, Apple has taken MAC Randomization to the next level by increasing the frequency of MAC address rotation. Devices now change their MAC addresses more often, sometimes every two weeks or even sooner if the user manually forgets the network. This enhanced privacy feature makes it harder for WiFi networks to identify returning users or provide seamless automatic connections, as the static MAC addresses that were once used for authentication are now frequently changing.

What are the impacts on Guest WiFi networks?

The upgraded MAC Randomization in iOS 18 significantly affects Guest WiFi networks, particularly in environments that rely on identifying devices by their MAC addresses for a smooth user experience. The key impacts include:

  • Interrupted automatic login: With rotating MAC addresses, users will need to re-authenticate more frequently on Guest WiFi networks, disrupting the seamless connectivity users expect in places like shopping centers, airports, and hotels.
  • Duplicate and fragmented user data: Guest WiFi systems that track users based on MAC addresses will face data inaccuracies. As MAC addresses change, the same device may be recognized as multiple new users, leading to incorrect analytics regarding customer behavior, visit frequency, and engagement.

Solutions for addressing MAC Randomization

To overcome the challenges posed by MAC Randomization in iOS 18, network managers and IT teams must adopt more advanced solutions that do not rely on static MAC addresses for authentication and data collection. Here are several effective strategies:

  1. Passpoint Hotspot 2.0: Passpoint allows for automatic, seamless WiFi connections by provisioning devices with a profile that eliminates the need for MAC-based authentication. With Passpoint, users can connect to Guest WiFi networks effortlessly, without needing to manually log in each time their MAC address changes.
  2. Ask users to turn off MAC address rotation: those who want to protect their privacy and avoid tracking across different WiFi networks but still want easy login using MAC address recognition can set their iOS device to use a random but fixed MAC address (without rotation).
  3. Secure Hotspot with WPA3: for networks that require enhanced security, configuring WPA3 protection on SSIDs can help mitigate the impact of MAC randomization. WPA3 enables secure authentication while preventing frequent MAC address changes, offering a more stable connection (iOS 18 rotates the MAC address only for open networks).

inPiazza solutions: Passpoint for seamless and secure Guest WiFi

At inPiazza, we recognize the significant impact of iOS 18’s MAC Randomization on Guest WiFi networks and have developed tailored solutions to help businesses overcome these challenges while ensuring a secure, seamless user experience. Here’s how the inPiazza solutions can future-proof the network:

  • Seamless WiFi access: inPiazza solutions implement the provision of a Passpoint profile to users securely. This allows users to connect to guest WiFi networks automatically and without complications, even if their MAC address changes periodically. This ensures uninterrupted and frictionless connectivity for users, making it ideal for high-traffic environments such as airports, retail centers, and hospitality venues.
  • Accurate data analytics without MAC dependency: inPiazza solutions enable your network to collect accurate usage statistics without depending on static MAC addresses. This is achieved by analyzing data from Passpoint profiles, which could be entirely independent of user identity. As a result, user privacy is fully protected, while network managers can still gain valuable insights into user behavior.

Conclusion

However, by adopting alternative solutions, businesses can ensure a seamless, secure, and reliable WiFi experience for their customers, even as the landscape of network privacy evolves.
At inPiazza, we are committed to helping our clients navigate these technological changes and ensure that their networks remain secure and user-friendly.
Are you ready for these changes yet? Contact inPiazza today to learn more.

Partnership smart technologies Ltd and Mobimesh inpiazza for customer journey management

New partnership inPiazza & Smart Technologies Ltd

partnership Smart Technologies ltd and MobiMESH inPiazza

inPiazza & Smart Technologies Ltd: new partnership to revolutionize Customer Journey Management in Malta

We are excited to announce a new strategic partnership with Smart Technologies Ltd, a renowned systems integrator, leading provider of IT infrastructure and professional services, based in Malta. This collaboration marks a significant step to meet the diverse needs of clients in Malta territory in an effective, innovative and tailored way by promoting innovative solutions for customer journey management.
Our partnership aims to integrate our innovative WiFi engagement solutions, indoor navigation, location analytics and marketing tools with Smart Technologies’ technical capabilities and experience.

Together, we aim to offer a superior user experience to Maltese customers, by optimizing every phase of their Customer Journey. The innovative solutions we are developing will facilitate deeper connections between brands and their customers, enhancing engagement through customized touchpoints and providing valuable insights through innovative technology.

Our cloud platform, inPiazza, leverages on AI to provide a powerful captive portal with engagement capabilities for guest WiFi networks. It supports various authentication methods, CRM integration and WhatsApp conversational system. This adds significant value to WiFi infrastructures, thus enabling digital interactions with end-users and facilitating targeted marketing actions based on user behavior in physical spaces like retail stores.

We are thrilled to collaborate with such a solid and respected partner in the Maltese market. This partnership not only expands our presence in the region but also reinforces our commitment to providing technological solutions that transform how brands interact with their customers.

“We are thrilled to partner with inPiazza to bring innovative customer journey management solutions to Malta. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver cutting-edge technology and exceptional service to our clients.” comments Manuel Aquilina, COO of Smart Technologies Ltd.

Stay tuned for more updates and discover how this partnership can benefit your business. Together with Smart Technologies, we are ready to take Customer Journey Management innovation to new heights.

Workshop Napoli 2023

Workshop collaboration & WiFi Engagement per la PA 2.0

inPiazza and VoiSmart hosted the partners in the Gulf of Naples for the Workshop dedicated to Digital Transformation solutions in Public Administration.

The event which was successfully held in the Royal Continental Hotel in Naples, stimulated interesting discussions on how to innovate the future PA in Italy.

The inPiazza team presented the technological solutions of WiFi Guest, Location Analytics, Proximity Marketing and Indoor Navigation, examining use cases in the PA. From municipalities to hospitals, from schools to libraries, various applications of the inPiazza platform were analysed.

Together with partners, new routes are being traced to continue to innovate and improve not only technologies but to bring about a digital paradigm shift in the country.

The inPiazza team is ready to carry out new projects and thanks all guests for their active participation!

Forum PA 2023 with Public Administration

Forum PA 2023 in Rome

MobiMesh inPiazza together with Voismart were partners of the Forum PA 2023 in Rome on May 16-18.

An event full of meetings and updates dedicated to the Italian Public Administration to face future challenges related to the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) part of the Next Generation EU program.

The Forum focused on the country’s investments in digitization and technologies useful for Italy’s transformation.
Innovation is one of our founding values and leads us with the implementation of our solutions in bringing technological development to local services for citizens and tourists in our cities.

We are proud to have participated again this year at this exciting event to share our ideas and to meet new challenges that we will have to face together with our Country.

Discover on LinkedIn our highlights from our booth at Forum PA 2023

New partnership inPiazza & Olojin MegaDesk

New partnership inPiazza & Olojin MegaDesk

Olojin, the agency specializing in loyalty and digital marketing, and MobiMESH inPiazza, expert in offering Guest WiFi and indoor navigation captive portal solutions, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership. By combining the expertise and resources of MobiMESH inPiazza and Olojin, this partnership aims to provide innovative solutions for digital marketing and beyond, with a focus on optimizing customer engagement directly from the physical store.

This collaboration will allow the two company’s solutions to work together: MEGAdesk, the community platform developed by Olojin for Customer Relationship Management, and the innovative touchpoints of MobiMESH inPiazza for phygital interaction. Together, the two companies will be able to offer a wide range of services to maximize return on investment and optimize brand loyalty.

MEGAdesk, the CRM and community platform from well-known agency Olojin, offers simple and intuitive tools for building an omnichannel strategy. MEGAdesk solutions are compatible with leading business systems to communicate with customers, manage their demographics, select brand ambassadors and build communities of loyal customers.

MobiMESH inPiazza combines customer behavior analysis with engagement in the phygital world, thanks to its core products: the powerful captive portal for WiFi guests and the indoor navigation solution. It was born with the idea of engaging and meeting customers’ needs by establishing direct and personalized connections in the right place at the right time, thanks to the integration of technologies such as WhatsApp Business, Wallet Pass and push notifications.

The strategic expertise of MEGAdesk CRM, combined with the innovative and technological solutions of inPiazza, will ensure tangible and measurable results for customers.

We have always believed in the integration between online and offline, in digital projects that also become concrete on the territory, in stores and in physical places populated by those same people who dialogue with each other in our communities,” comments Stefano Notturno, CEO of Olojin. “This partnership is an opportunity to make this vision even more concrete, generating a positive impact for the companies we work for and also for their customers.

For both companies, this partnership represents a concrete commitment to innovation and excellence in brand loyalty and omnichannel experience building.

In this increasingly competitive and dynamic environment, the collaboration with Olojin represents a unique opportunity to offer our clients cutting-edge omnichannel marketing solutions” said Stefano Napoli, Chief Commercial of MobiMESH inPiazza. “We are excited to join forces with a partner like Olojin and together raise the standard of digital marketing and brand loyalty.”

For more information about the partners discover the websites: Olojin and MobiMESH inPiazza.

Airport_excellence_awards__inpiazza_Saudi_png

Saudi Airport Exhibition 2023

inPiazza nominated for the Saudi Excellence Awards 2023

inPiazza on December 20, 2023 attended the Saudi Airport Exhibition, the event dedicated to airports in Ryadh.

The inPiazza team, always ready to embrace new opportunities in other countries, brought Made in Italy together with other Italian companies with Air Tech Italy to Saudi Arabia.

The inPiazza platform was nominated for the Saudi Excellence Awards 2023 and was awarded the first runner-up award in the Passenger Experience category.

The comprehensive solution to improve the Customer Journey within airports has presented its integrated services:

Indoor navigation to easily discover and navigate the terminal

WiFi Guest customized for the airport for frictionless connectivity.

Conversational Marketing to open a conversation via WhatsApp or other channels with passengers and send real-time Customer Satisfaction surveys with high response rate.

Location Analytics to analyze passenger flows and behaviors within spaces.

Proximity Marketing to offer digital spaces to promote activities inside the terminal directly on passengers’ devices.

inPiazza is thrilled to receive this award as a token of appreciation for all of our efforts in developing and implementing the solution in the airline industry.

This award motivates the inPiazza team even more to continuously seek innovation, find new partnerships and opportunities to contribute digital solutions to improve the Customer Journey in the airport industry and beyond.

New partnership inPiazza & Tanaza

New partnership inPiazza & Tanaza

MobiMESH inPiazza, the leading WiFi Engagement platform, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Tanaza, a pioneer in cloud-managed networks.
This innovative collaboration aims at transforming the guest WiFi services scenario by delivering an effective and fully managed Customer Journey in the phygital world.

Leveraging on the strengths of both platforms, this partnership revolutionizes guest WiFi services, allowing customers to create new digital touchpoints for their end users, with conversational capabilities and with marketing opportunities, that rely on a powerful and efficient WiFi infrastructure with unmatched hardware flexibility.
Push notifications, Lead generation and Wayfinding applications are now easier to create and to manage.

Sebastiano Bertani, Founder and CEO of Tanaza S.p.A. said: “This integration represents a step forward in our vision: providing efficient cloud-based networking infrastructure that enables a great variety of applications to cover industry-specific and vertical use cases. InPiazza is clearly a top-notch option to bring added value services in the retail, food and hospitality space and we are proud to enable them on top of a large variety of off-the-shelf and white-box Wi-Fi access points”.

This partnership, driven by a shared commitment to innovation, marks a significant step toward redefining the future of WiFi services for an optimized guest experience.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Tanaza,” declared Stefano Napoli, CCO of MobiMESH inPiazza. “Our collaboration aims at reshaping managed network services by incorporating value added applications to the proposition, fostering the growth of new use cases across the various industries.

For more information about this exciting partnership, please visit the Tanaza WiFi Marketplace.

Forum Retail Milan 2023

An engaging journey into the Retail World

In the changing world of retail, consumers are seeking personalized and engaging experiences. To meet these needs, companies are turning to a range of new technologies to enhance the Customer Journey.
By knowing how to capture industry trends, it is possible to discover how the use of WiFi Engagement, Proximity Marketing, Location Analytics and Indoor Navigation can transform the way stores are managed, leveraging the physical experience of customers in real time to stimulate engagement and revolutionize their path to purchase with the goal of building loyalty.

inPiazza again exhibited at the Forum Retail organized by iKN.

The use of innovative media and technologies is transforming and evolving the way companies engage with their customers. By offering a more personalized and engaging experience, retailers are trying to meet growing consumer expectations and maintain customer loyalty in the competitive world of retail. The key is to adopt in-store technologies strategically by understanding the value of using them to create an environment that is useful, engaging and memorable for customers.

inPiazza has proposed its solutions that are customizable to each reality and tailored to the most important needs of each retailer.

Discover more about inPiazza for retail.

Expand North Star Dubai 2023

Present inPlace solution in Dubai

inPiazza was present in Dubai for Expand North Star, the world’s largest event for startups and investors to showcase its new solutions.

Together with many other italian tech companies inPiazza represented Made in Italy with the inPiazza WiFi engagement and Proximity Marketing platform and the inPlace indoor navigation system.

On the sideline of the GITEX Global inPiazza hosted an exclusive event at the Conrad Hotel dedicated to local partners to deepen the news and outline future strategies.
The new indoor navigation system inPlace, a simple and efficient digital solution for finding the way in large facilities, was a great success. There are many applications of this technology from retail to healthcare.

Thanks to the event participants, interesting insights emerged on how to bring this business to new markets.
Discover more information about inPlace.

FutureTech Workshop 2023

inPiazza & VoiSmart innovative solutions event

On September 11, 2023, inPiazza and VoiSmart in collaboration with Lenovo/Motorola organized the FutureTech Workshop, an exclusive event dedicated to innovation, in the charming location of the Grand Hotel Castrocaro.

During the event dedicated to our partners we presented WiFi Engagement technology solutions and possible applications in different sectors such as banks, shopping centers, municipalities and companies to do proximity marketing and location analytics.

Projecting into the future, the new Indoor Navigation inPlace solution was presented, which allows users in large buildings such as hospitals, malls, parking lots, etc. to easily orient themselves with a frictionless wayfinding solution.

The interactive and constructive workshop with partners introduced new business opportunities for our industry, exploring the telecommunications market and new digital trends.

This important event enabled us to push the accelerator on designing new projects in different industries.