DENOG18

OpenRoaming Explained: What It Solves and Why Operators Should Care
2026-11-17 –, Saal A

OpenRoaming promises seamless and secure Wi-Fi access, but what does it mean for real network operations? This short talk explains the technology, the federation model, and the practical benefits and limitations of OpenRoaming from an operator’s point of view. Using real-world examples, it shows where OpenRoaming fits, where it does not, and why it is becoming relevant for public, enterprise, and venue networks.

Falk Bachmann is a graduate engineer in information technology, a certified Cisco Internetwork Expert (CCIE), and a Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE). He has more than 25 years of experience in planning, implementing, and optimizing complex network infrastructures. Prior to the official ratification of the 802.11 standard, he deployed one of the first wireless networks in Germany, making him one of the early pioneers in the WLAN field.
Throughout his career, he has delivered innovative projects for more than 100 customers in over ten countries across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, finance, and transportation. His work has consistently focused on designing stable, secure, and highly available solutions tailored to the specific requirements of each client.
In addition to his technical work, Falk Bachmann is active as a trainer, mentor, and speaker. He has trained numerous colleagues and customers and has supervised more than ten bachelor’s theses. His international project experience and long-standing involvement in the global WLAN community make him a recognized expert in resilient network architectures and IT security.

This speaker also appears in: