VoIP News

Increased laptop shipments, 802.11n Wi-Fi deployments, and mobile VoIP demand will help drive growth in the wireless networking industry in 2008, experts predict.

Wireless networking has performed strongly in 2007 after a “bumpy adolescence” in previous years, according to managing director, Ian Schenkel, of enterprise wireless consultancy, AirMagnet.

Security concerns, among other issues, will continue to challenge wireless deployments, Schenkel said, but 2007 will likely be remembered as the year the wireless industry finally grew up. AirMagnet expects the global wireless industry to grow a further 40% in 2008.

Laptop computers, most of which are now Wi-Fi-enabled, will contribute significantly to wireless growth in the coming year, according to AirMagnet. Researchers cited a recent Gartner study projecting 19% annual growth in laptop shipments through 2011, as well as the incoming wave of 802.11n-based networking products.

“The new high speed Wi-Fi standard, 802.11n, promises increased network speeds and reliability with raw data throughput theoretically capable of reaching as much as 600Mbps, over 10 times that of 802.11g,” AirMagnet said in its report. “Demand for 802.11n networks is set to be a key driver for wireless networks in 2008 as organizations look to increase speed and bandwidth for data intensive applications.

AirMagnet also mentioned the growing market for Wi-Fi-equipped dual-mode cell phones, but said that before this technology can become truly widespread, it has to be as reliable as fixed-line voice networks.

“In order to cope with this increased demand for voice over wireless enabled phones, organisations must optimise wireless access points already installed as well as investing in additional access points where necessary to support additional traffic,” AirMagnet stated. “Effective wireless network planning is key to ensuring the success of voice over wireless.”