Wi‑Fi CERTIFIED Enhanced Open™ is a Wi-Fi Alliance certification that preserves the convenience open networks offer while reducing some of the risks associated with accessing an unsecured network. Wi-Fi Enhanced Open™ networks provide unauthenticated data encryption to users, an improvement over traditional networks with no protections at all. Using Wi-Fi Enhanced Open technology, Wi-Fi network service providers can:
- Retain the user experience in open networks without requiring users to enter passwords
- Provide data and management frame protection for the end user
- Maintain the simplicity of deployment because there are no network credentials to maintain or share
- Preserve interoperability with legacy open networks, including those using a captive portal