Wireless LANs - The End of the Beginning
by Craig J. Mathias, Farpoint Group
Published August, 2003: Posted August 2003

Abstract:

First generation wireless LANs (WLANs) have been widely adopted in small offices and home offices. However, there are some issues that have limited the wide scale deployment of WLANs in the enterprise. As we reach the end of the first generation of WLANs, this IT Business Brief examines where we stand on these issues.

The brief begins with a discussion of alternative WLAN physical layers.  This discussion is optimistic that soon the choice of the appropriate physical layer will be a non-issue. However, the discussion of wireless security points out that solving the security issues will more complex.

The brief then discusses three topics that I think are key to the broad acceptance of WLANs by enterprise customers. Those issues are coverage, ease of use, and Total Cost of Ownership. The brief also points out the potential movement to a centralized architecture as a way to reduce the cost and increase the manageability of WLANs.

This is our first IT Business Brief on the topic of WLANs. Future IT Business Briefs will explore these issues in greater detail.

About the Author:

Craig Mathias is a Principal with Farpoint Group, an Ashland, MA based advisory firm specializing in wireless and mobile communications. Farpoint Group works primarily with manufacturers on technology, strategy, market, and product issues.

Please note: By downloading this information, you acknowledge that the sponsor(s) of this information may contact you, providing that they give you the option of opting out of further communications from them concerning this information.  Also, by your downloading this information, you agree that the information is for your personal use only and that this information may not be retransmitted to others or reposted on another web site.  Please encourage colleagues to download their own copy after registering at http://www.webtorials.com/reg/.