R8E4 and XML Date: January 12th 2006 Authors: January 2006 doc.: IEEE 802.11-06/xxxxr0 January 2006 R8E4 and XML Date: January 12th 2006 Authors: Notice: This document has been prepared to assist IEEE 802.11. It is offered as a basis for discussion and is not binding on the contributing individual(s) or organization(s). The material in this document is subject to change in form and content after further study. The contributor(s) reserve(s) the right to add, amend or withdraw material contained herein. Release: The contributor grants a free, irrevocable license to the IEEE to incorporate material contained in this contribution, and any modifications thereof, in the creation of an IEEE Standards publication; to copyright in the IEEE’s name any IEEE Standards publication even though it may include portions of this contribution; and at the IEEE’s sole discretion to permit others to reproduce in whole or in part the resulting IEEE Standards publication. The contributor also acknowledges and accepts that this contribution may be made public by IEEE 802.11. Patent Policy and Procedures: The contributor is familiar with the IEEE 802 Patent Policy and Procedures <http:// ieee802.org/guides/bylaws/sb-bylaws.pdf>, including the statement "IEEE standards may include the known use of patent(s), including patent applications, provided the IEEE receives assurance from the patent holder or applicant with respect to patents essential for compliance with both mandatory and optional portions of the standard." Early disclosure to the Working Group of patent information that might be relevant to the standard is essential to reduce the possibility for delays in the development process and increase the likelihood that the draft publication will be approved for publication. Please notify the Chair <stuart.kerry@philips.com> as early as possible, in written or electronic form, if patented technology (or technology under patent application) might be incorporated into a draft standard being developed within the IEEE 802.11 Working Group. If you have questions, contact the IEEE Patent Committee Administrator at <patcom@ieee.org>. Andrew Myers, BT Andrew Myers, BT

Abstract Requirement R8E4 States that : January 2006 doc.: IEEE 802.11-06/xxxxr0 January 2006 Abstract Requirement R8E4 States that : Functionality shall be provided by which APs can advertise (before connection) the charges that will be made for use of the network if a user enrolls with it. The Associated Note reads as follows: While in principle most people would like this to be possible, there are a significant number of people who doubt that a practical and consistent mechanism can be defined. For this reason the group has marked it as optional – they are open to proposals in this area. Status: Not Required - Optional Andrew Myers, BT Andrew Myers, BT

January 2006 Background This requirement could more specifically state that: “Once a device discovers and connects with an AP, the AP will then advertise a choice of available WLAN Service Providers (WSPs) available to them.” The advertisement will also provide information on charging information associated to the available WSPs. A user will then be able to select the WSP that they wish to use, based on choice of service provider being offered. Billing reasons Current account holder with a service provider . [Eg. Verizon, BT Openzone, Vodafone or DoCoMo etc.] For regulatory reasons the consumer needs to given the opportunity to see what competitive rates are being offered Andrew Myers, BT

January 2006 Is XML The Solution? The question is, whether there is a practical and globally consistent mechanism that will provide this functionality. This presentation calls on IEEE 802.11u to comment on whether or not XML is considered a feasible solution. If this is favourable then I would ask IEEE 802.11u if they would be interested in seeing a proposal on XML at the next meeting. If the IEEE 802.11 think XML is a way forward for service discovery I would be interested in assisting on making a collaborative effort for the March 2006 meeting. Andrew Myers, BT