Open Standards vs. Open Source?
Why OpenSync is the future of home network management
Increasing network complexity
$2 billion
As home WiFi networks become more complex and congested, Communications Service Providers (CSPs) are faced with a choice: Which framework to use to adapt to the times? There are two main solutions: standardization (sometimes called open standards) and open source. EasyMesh represents an open standards option, while OpenSync is an example of a powerful open-source solution.
Both of these frameworks were developed to address challenges related to interoperability and complex WiFi-management needs amid an ever-growing number of access points (APs). But OpenSync ultimately stands out as the more robust choice, with a variety of customizable features that streamline the delivery of cloud-managed home network services.
The market for wireless mesh networks in 2019.
The compound annual growth rate at which this market is expected to expand through 2026.
15%
The average number of connected devices in Plume households.
14
OpenSync: Advantages for stakeholders
Download the full whitepaper to learn more about the advantages of OpenSync.
DOWNLOAD THE WHITEPAPER
Sources:
1. “Wireless Mesh Network Market,” Global Market Insights
2. “Intelligence and insights for the smart-home industry,” Plume IQ™
3. “Product Finder,” Wi-Fi Alliance
EasyMesh overview
A standards-based approach to WiFi network interoperability established by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
~24 vendors have adopted the standard for products like home gateways, routers, and WiFi extenders.
142 Wi-Fi Alliance-certified products on the market as of Feb. 2021.
1
1
2
3
Let’s explore the “open source vs. open standards” debate.
Open Standards vs. Open Source
Applies only to the WiFi mesh software layer.
Narrow use case: Creates a multi-AP network with a local controller.
Present in 30 million APs and devices as of July 2021.
1 billion total devices managed by OpenSync since 2015.
An open-source, cloud-managed software service platform for delivering and managing home network services.
OpenSync overview
Serves as a middle layer in a cloud services architecture, with the WiFi chipset at the bottom and CSPs controlling the cloud at the top.
Spans multiple layers between in-home devices’ hardware and the cloud.
Many use cases: Creates a cloud-based ecosystem for service delivery, including WiFi optimization, control, intelligent learning, and data collection.
Accelerated time to market for device updates, often fully within the cloud (no new hardware or firmware necessary).
Participate in an ecosystem that provides the foundation for all future innovation.
Set yourself apart from the competition by empowering CSPs to deliver bespoke, on-demand services.
Connect with a robust list of CSPs who are looking for the competitive edge that OpenSync offers.
Enables ODMs to support a dynamic range of services without the burden of proprietary service integration into the chipset firmware.
ODMs
Embrace a common framework and future-proof offerings.
Support for a wide range of existing connectivity services.
Extend the life of legacy hardware.
Improve vendor interoperability.
Remove hardware dependencies to launch new services in a matter of weeks.
Harness the power of the cloud for more sophisticated management of complex, congested networks.
CSPs
CSPs must adapt home network offerings to keep pace with a rapidly changing WiFi landscape.
The problem
Standardization (open standards) or open source, represented here by EasyMesh and OpenSync.
2 possible solutions
Shared capabilities
Simple setup to configure connections among multiple APs.
Client-steering controls that improve UX as a device moves around a home.
Support for WiFi 6 = higher network capacity.
Traffic prioritization that guides devices and apps to the best APs.
Prevents vendor lock-in.
EasyMesh and OpenSync
Accelerated time to market for device updates, often fully within the cloud (no new hardware or firmware necessary).
Participate in an ecosystem that provides the foundation for all future innovation.
Set yourself apart from the competition by empowering CSPs to deliver bespoke, on-demand services.
Connect with a robust list of CSPs who are looking for the competitive edge that OpenSync offers.
Enables ODMs to support a dynamic range of services without the burden of proprietary service integration into the chipset firmware.
ODMs
Embrace a common framework and future-proof offerings.
Support for a wide range of existing connectivity services.
Extend the life of legacy hardware.
Improve vendor interoperability.
Remove hardware dependencies to launch new services in a matter of weeks.
Harness the power of the cloud for more sophisticated management of complex, congested networks.
CSPs
Accelerated time to market for device updates, often fully within the cloud (no new hardware or firmware necessary)
Participate in an ecosystem that provides the foundation for all future innovation
Set yourself apart from the competition by empowering CSPs to deliver bespoke, on-demand services
Connect with a robust list of CSPs who are looking for the competitive edge that OpenSync offers
Enables ODMs to support a dynamic range of services without the burden of proprietary service integration into the chipset firmware
ODMs
Embrace a common framework and future-proof offerings
Support for a wide range of existing connectivity services
Extend the life of legacy hardware
Improve vendor interoperability
Remove hardware dependencies to launch new services in a matter of weeks
Harness the power of the cloud for more sophisticated management of complex, congested networks
CSPs