Wireless LAN Market
WLAN growth and applications

Four key factors influence the growing acceptance of wireless technology:

  • Speed – IEEE 802.11b 11-Mbps data rate meets enterprise standards for performance. IEEE 802.11a offers a 54-Mbps data rate.
  • Positioning – Positioning WLANs as a way to complete the LAN/WAN networking solution simplifies the technology adoption decision. It also encourages customers to include wireless technology in their strategic networking plans.
  • Value – Lower costs with acceptable performance make wireless an attractive alternative to wired solutions.
  • Ease of Implementation – Instant solutions and easily implemented alternatives accelerate market adoption.

WLANs are expected to grow as shown in Figure . This technology has several immediate applications, including the following:

  • IT professionals or business executives who want mobility within the enterprise, perhaps in addition to a traditional wired network
  • Business owners or IT directors who need flexibility for frequent LAN wiring changes, either throughout the site or in selected areas
  • Any company whose site is not conducive to LAN wiring because of building or budget limitations such as older buildings, leased space, or temporary sites
  • Any company that needs the flexibility and cost savings offered by a line-of-sight, building-to-building bridge to avoid expensive trenches, leased lines, or right-of-way issues

The WLAN market is in the early stages of development. Technological innovation and recent standardization are laying the groundwork for broader market adoption. Key market drivers such as increased performance, lower costs, and ease of implementation, are accelerating market growth.

A vertical market is a particular industry or group of enterprises in which similar products or services are developed and marketed using similar methods. Current vertical market examples are shown in Figure .