ipass_logo_rgb.jpg
Source: iPass Inc.

iPass Continues to Optimize Wi-Fi Roaming Experience with Latest Patent

Patented “Hop on/Hop off” technology automatically connects users in motion to best available network

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif., Oct. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iPass Inc. (NASDAQ: IPAS), a leading provider of global mobile connectivity and location technology, today announced it has been granted United States Patent no. 10,080,209, issued on September 18th 2018, covering a means to identify whether a Wi-Fi access point is moving or stationary. Called Hop on/Hop off, the innovation analyzes telemetry data from a moving device that is connected to a Wi-Fi access point to determine whether the access point is also moving. The improved classification of Wi-Fi access points means that iPass SmartConnectTM users will always be connected to the best available network, even when their devices are moving.

Hop on/Hop off enhances the experience for users in two key scenarios. For example, if a moving user is listening to a music streaming service while driving down a city street, their device won’t connect to irrelevant networks, thereby limiting service disruption and preserving battery life. Likewise, a user on a Wi-Fi enabled airplane, train or bus can automatically connect to the iPass network where available.

The application for United States patent no. 10,080,209, “apparatus and method for identifying a moving Wi-Fi access point and managing connections therewith,” was applied for on September 22, 2016.

“Our goal is to provide users with the most seamless, secure Wi-Fi roaming experience possible,” said Raghu Konka, Vice President of Engineering at iPass. “Whether moving or stationery, iPass SmartConnect is constantly making intelligent connection decisions to invisibly and securely connect users to the Wi-Fi hotspots that best fit their needs. This patent is a key element in our vision to deliver unlimited, everywhere, and invisible connectivity to the best network, regardless of whether the network is Wi-Fi or cellular.”

iPass continues to prosecute patents to strengthen its global leadership in intelligent connection management, further enhancing the portfolio that was used in 2018 to collateralize a debt raise with Fortress.

About iPass, Inc.
iPass (NASDAQ: IPAS) has been a pioneer in wireless technology for 20 years. The company’s SmartConnect technology enables wireless users to automatically transition between Wi-Fi and cellular so they can stay connected to work – and life – on the go. This technology also lets businesses gather rich insights based on customer location. By incorporating both Wi-Fi and GPS signals, iPass delivers the industry’s most accurate location data, so that businesses can better understand their customers and create more value.

iPass® is a registered trademark of iPass Inc. Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners.

iPass Media Contact
Alex Crawshaw
Spark Communications
+44 (0) 20 7436 0420
ipass@sparkcomms.co.uk