posted by: Paul DeBeasi
The IEEE 802.11n draft standard is the beginning of the end for wired Ethernet as the dominant local area network (LAN) access technology. However, this does not mean that we are going to see a precipitous erosion of the wired Ethernet switching market. The fact of the matter is that enterprise APs will not be generally available until the fall of 2007. Vendors are still working on testing their products, fixing bugs, and tuning performance.
When these products finally begin to ship, they will be used predominantly in pilot programs. These early products will be more costly than 802.11g/a products and enterprises will want to “kick the tires” before committing to products based upon a draft standard. In addition, these early products will not achieve the full potential of 802.11n. So, at least in the near term, Mike Disabato is correct when he says that 802.11n is not ready for prime time.
However, just wait until 2008 and beyond! Prices will fall as volumes rise and early jitters over the draft status of 802.11n will fade away as the Wi-Fi Alliance continues their certification program. In addition, refinements in system silicon, radio design, network control, wireless security, and power management will significantly improve 802.11n products to the point where it will begin to erode the switched Ethernet market.
The skeptics are wrong. Wireless WILL replace wires. It’s just a matter of time…
Comments