From July 21, whoever gets access to the internet by free WiFi via real name authentication at Hongqiao International Airport will be relieved from the SMS authentication next time when he or she surfs the internet by use of the WiFi at the airport. One can get a shortcut login by PEAP, short for a new technology called Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol.
"The PEAP technology helps the passengers improve their internet surfing experience to a great extent," a technician from the electromechanical information security department of the airport said, "Once authenticated, you can directly use the airport’s free WiFi with the same mobile and the same number the next time when you come to the airport."
The wireless internet of Hongqiao International Airport now covers the waiting areas behind the security check points of passenger terminals T1 and T2. In line with relevant provisions of the public security bureau, the airport has since 2012 adopted real-name authentication for its wireless network. Therefore, visitors and airport staff must pass the real-name authentication before getting access to the wireless internet with their passwords by SMS authentication free of charge or ID card scanning.
With a growing number of free WiFi users among passengers, the airport has received more complaints on such issues as complicated operation and poor signal coverage. To address these issues, the airport has made continuous technological efforts to improve its service.
In the last 2 years, the airport has upgraded and increased the capacity of its network equipment, allowing up to 5,000 passengers surfing the internet in the same time, with an additional 21% free WiFi area to cover more than 300 spots immune to WiFi signals previously. “The launch of the PEAP technology, another passenger-friendly service offered by the airport this year, meets the relevant requirements on network safety,” said head of the electromechanical information security department. More efforts will be made to track the actual usage of the passengers before improving this new technical application for a better user-friendly Wi-Fi airport climate for passengers.