However, the captive portal system requires users to manually sign in every time they connect -- which makes for a poor user experience, particularly for mobile device owners just hopping online to check their email.

Cloudpath was selected to run the BYOD demonstration after winning the prize for best or mobile company at Interop Las Vegas this summer.

According to Koster, the system installed at Interop NY splits the difference -- while it requires a sign-up process, it's a one-time activation, and users don't need to be provided with any credential information in order to get a constant connection.

Along with Cloudpath's authentication system, the Interop NY setup uses Xirrus hardware to power the network, as well as F5's firewall to enforce access limitations.

"It worked great until yesterday morning when all of the vendors turned on their SSIDs, and all of a sudden, there were three pages of SSIDs," Koster said.