|
As enterprises lay greater thrust on wireless technology while designing
their network infrastructure, wired Ethernet solutions will witness higher
adoption. In such a scenario, Paul of Nortel believes that the wireless network
is just as mission critical as the wired network
A look at the evolution of wireless networks suggests that wireless
technology began as a convenient option for workers to stay connected even
while traveling. Thus the need to be connected all the time has further lead to
the wireless technology gaining prominence and it has now become a critical part
of any organization's overall network strategy.
Given the fact that wireless technology has improved even more in areas such
as that of security, enterprises have started deploying wireless products across
the various business units. A network that can support more users and
applications has to be scalable so that apart from giving optimum performance it
also delivers greater reliability and predictability.
Keeping the above points in mind it can be safely said that the wireless
networking industry is witnessing a major change and the current market scenario
suggests that wireless technology is taking a major leap in time in terms of
both performance and security. Some of the ground-breaking innovations have
taken place in the areas of high speed connectivity, quality of servie (QoS) and
end point security. Besides, the key technology that is under final phase of
development is 802.11n and multiple input multiple output (MIMO). Some of the
key features of 802.11n are that it is over seven times faster than 802.11g
technology within a well covered area and over 70 times faster at 300 feet away
from the antenna. The key to this speed is MIMO antenna technology. Some of the
benefits end-users can expect if they adopt this technology are faster,
predictable speeds and better distance coverage. Besides, with 802.11n
technology and with MIMO gaining prominence soon we will see wired networks as
an option.
 |
|
Sajan Paul
Director-Core Sales Engineering,
Enterprise Solutions, Asia, Nortel |
Why it's hot
Wireless opportunities have been exiting primarily for hot-spot (Wi-Fi
enabled) applications. However, we have seen moderate adoption by corporates as
an overlay to the wired networks. This will change with the 802.11n introduction
and one will not be surprised if wired networks become a mere option. With
enterprise networks being built with more focus on the wireless side, an
increasing number of users will shift from the wired Ethernet solutions.
However, there are a number of reasons why 802.11n will witness an increased
adoption. In the first place a number of users having varied needs are looking
to adopt wireless technology. When technology was making a penetration it was
only mobile workers and people travelling for business meets who looked at
adopting the wireless technology in their urge to stay connected. Today,
organizations use their wireless networks to serve different users with varied
needs. Employees in remote locations want to remain connected to their corporate
offices. Every employee within an organisation wants to be connected and access
critical information even while they are mobile.
This aside another reason for 802.11n to pick up as a technology is that more
mission-critical applications are being hosted on the wireless network. The
wireless network with its ability to deliver reliability is now considered just
as mission-critical as the wired network.
|
IDC market analysis |
| IDC studied the market
conditions and the opportunity for enterprise-class wireless LAN (WLAN)
equipment that complies with IEEE 802.11 standards for the years 2008-2012.
This analysis covered worldwide enterprise client access devices, network
access points, and related enterprise WLAN equipment.
According to IDC, the rate of revenue growth is
expected to remain slightly suppressed in 2008. IDC projects the market will
grow by nearly six percent in 2008 to $1.86 billion. |
Offering compatibility
In addition to the various models of laptops available in the market,
wireless networks should also be able to support PDAs, mobile e-mail devices,
and increasingly voice over WLAN (VoWLAN) or dual-mode phones and this is one
area that will open opportunities for resellers and service providers.
Yet another change that the wireless networking industry is experiencing that
organisations have started understanding the advantages of using their WLANs for
video and voice applications. Again, enterprises that operate in radio frequency
(RF) environment for example retail warehouses, hospitals and university
campuses require more reliable RF coverage to avoid any kinds of disturbances
and overcome multipath challenges. These are the very organisations that will
look to adopt 802.11n and provides major business opportunities for the vendors
and channel partners involved in the business.
POOJA SHARMA
poojas@cybermedia.co.in Page(s) 1
| 
