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
.