OWE

What Is Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE)?

OWE (Opportunistic Wireless Encryption) is a security feature in Wi-Fi 6 that enhances open network security by establishing individualized encryption for each device, ensuring privacy and protecting against unauthorized access.

What Problems Does OWE Solve?

Lack of Encryption

Open Wi-Fi networks do not employ encryption, leaving user data vulnerable to interception and unauthorized access. OWE resolves this issue by implementing individualized encryption for each device, ensuring data privacy and security.

Data Leakage

Without encryption, data transmitted over open networks can be easily intercepted, leading to potential data leakage. OWE protects against this risk by encrypting the communication between the client device and the Wi-Fi access point, ensuring data confidentiality.

User Authentication

Open networks often lack robust user authentication mechanisms, making it challenging to verify the identity of connected devices. OWE enhances security by providing encryption, even in the absence of user authentication, ensuring secure communication channels.

OWE Authentication Process

Beacon Frame Broadcasting

The Wi-Fi access point sends out beacon frames that include OWE information, indicating its support for OWE authentication.

Client Association

The client device scans for available networks and detects the OWE-supported access point. It initiates the association process with the access point.

OWE Negotiation

During the association process, the client and access point negotiate the usage of OWE for authentication. They agree to establish an encrypted communication channel using OWE.

Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange

The access point and client perform a Diffie-Hellman key exchange, allowing them to derive a shared secret key. This key serves as the basis for subsequent encryption and authentication.

PMK Generation

Utilizing the shared secret key, the access point and client independently generate a Pairwise Master Key (PMK). The PMK is crucial for securing their communication.

OWE Authentication

The client and access point engage in an authentication exchange, verifying each other's identity and validating the PMK. This process ensures the integrity and authenticity of the OWE-protected communication.

Secure Communication Establishment

Upon successful OWE authentication, the client and access point establish a secure and encrypted communication channel. Subsequent data transmissions between them are encrypted using the PMK, ensuring data privacy and protection against potential threats.

OWE Transition Mode

When an access point is in OWE transition mode, it supports two types of connections: open and OWE-encrypted.

Open Network Connection

Devices that do not support OWE or are not configured for it can connect to the access point using the regular open network. This includes older devices or those that haven't been updated to support OWE. They will continue to connect as they normally would, without encryption.

OWE-Encrypted Connection

Devices that support OWE, such as newer smartphones or updated laptops, can take advantage of the enhanced security offered by OWE. When these devices detect the access point's OWE signal, they can initiate the OWE authentication process. This process establishes an encrypted communication channel between the device and the access point, ensuring data privacy and protection.

Let's consider a coffee shop that wants to implement OWE encryption. They enable OWE transition mode on their Wi-Fi network. Customers with older devices can still connect to the open network and enjoy the free Wi-Fi without encryption. However, customers with newer devices that support OWE can connect using the OWE-encrypted option, benefiting from the added security while browsing or conducting online transactions.