In offices and corporates, the general trend is to have Wi-Fi as part of the wired networks to offer mobility to the employees on IP networks and add value to the current deliverables of the network.

Key verticals driving the growth include IT/ITeS, telecom, BFSI, retail, Internet service providers, education, manufacturing, real estate and hospitality. Government SWANs and rural connectivity are also leading to more adoption of wireless in the country.

Market Movements
The latest trend in the WLAN space is the addition of VoIP technology to wireless networks (VoWLAN). Adoption of this technology helps in reducing costs effectively through collaboration. Also, the collaboration between RFID and wireless is leading to new mobility applications and solutions for industry segments like manufacturing, retail and healthcare.

Wireless security is another important aspect as the wireless network expands. With 802.1 and WPA2 encryption, WLAN provides a high level of security.

Another emerging trend in this segment is IEEE 802.11n. This solution will operate in the 2.4 and 5 GHz radio band, offering backward compatibility with pre-existing 802.11a/b/g deployments.

Latest Arrivals
Technology additions have dominated market trends during the last fiscal. Cisco has announced its new 802.11n access points, the Aironet 1140 Series, Wi-Fi certified 802.11n Draft 2.0 platform that expands Cisco's portfolio of next generation wireless solutions.

In addition, Cisco also introduced Cisco M-Drive technology, that extends Cicso's heritage in building enterprise class networks to deliver a reliable RF platform.

One of the major turning points has been the launch of 802.11n, 2.0 Draft AP's from Cisco which allows speeds of upto 300 Mbps. Also, the launch of the Fixed WiMAX-802.16d and the promise of early availability of Mobile WiMAX-802.16e, which promises to deliver true mobile experience over large distances at a good speed.

For D-Link, one of the major technology additions in the last fiscal was the Draft N technology which is definitely a breakthrough for wireless LANs with better speeds and coverage areas. 

<< PREVIOUS NEXT>>

• R&M unveils new cabling module, Cat. 6A

• USB 3.0: Simplifying validation and debug

• Imation ships world's first wireless USB HD

• NaviSite inks deal with InMobi

• India, China add big buzz to wireless broadband