World Wireless Local Area Network Markets

In the current age of information, wireless local area networks (WLANs) enable mobile computer users to access data quickly, easily, and without being physically tied to the network. Characterized by changing standards, this market is witnessing tremendous growth and widespread acceptance. Its current success may be attributed to the dominant WLAN standard, 802.11b, which is facing some competition from the introduction of 802.11a and possible replacement by 802.11g later. In such an environment, where the potential for confusion is high, dual-mode products are expected to flourish. This Frost & Sullivan research analyzes recent and future developments and trends in the world wireless local area network industry. It discusses the drivers, restraints, and challenges governing the market and offers strategic recommendations.

Wireless-enabled Products Becoming Widespread

"The WLAN market has continued to be one of the brightest spots in the computing industry over the past year," says the analyst. With broadband Internet connectivity taking hold of the popular imagination, demand for WLAN technology continues to increase in the small office/home office (SOHO) markets. Easy installation, relatively low prices, and the growing pervasiveness of WLAN technology combine to spur its adoption rates.

Wireless-enabled products such as laptops and personal digital assistants (PDAs), as a result of embedded radio chipsets, are likely to become much more common in the near future. With market powerhouses such as IBM increasingly bundling WLAN capabilities into their product offerings, the market for WLAN adapters is expected to be negatively affected, making it imperative for vendors to diversify into other product lines.

Development of New Applications Drives Sales of WLAN Hardware

WLAN technology is spawning many new applications such as freenets, wherein groups of WLAN end-users decide to provide Internet connectivity to anyone who needs it. Freenets, which have the potential to cover wide areas and serve large populations, can be quickly developed due to their low costs. "The availability of low cost Internet access can be a great stimulus not only for WLAN hardware sales but also for software that can help secure, track, and connect end-users," says the analyst.

In a market where prevailing multiple standards often cause confusion, product differentiation is equally important. To this end, wireless hardware manufacturers are targeting the horizontal enterprise market. Developing and refining solutions to meet the varying needs of this market can help manufacturers distinguish themselves from one another.

1 Executive Summary

A. Introduction to the World Wireless Local Area Network Industry

B. Summary of Major Findings

2 Market Engineering Research Methodology

A. Research Scope

B. Market Engineering Forecasting Methodology

C. Glossary of Terms

3 Industry Challenges

A. Identification of Challenges Facing the Wireless LAN Industry

4 Market Engineering Measurement Analysis of the Total Wireless LAN Industry

A. Introduction

B. Market Engineering Research Measurement System

5 Market Engineering Research for the World Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum Market 1996-2006

A. Total Market Segment Analysis

B. Strategic Analysis and Forecasts of the DSSS Adapter Market

C. Strategic Analysis and Forecasts of the DSSS Access Point Market

D. Strategic Analysis and Forecasts of the DSSS Bridge Market

6 Market Engineering Research for the World Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Market 1996-2006

A. Total Market Segment Analysis

B. Strategic Analysis and Forecasts of the FHSS Adapter Market

C. Strategic Analysis and Forecasts of the FHSS Access Point Market

D. Strategic Analysis and Forecasts of the FHSS Bridge Market

7 Market Engineering Strategy

A. What Is Market Engineering Strategy?

B. Market Engineering Strategic Recommendations

8 Market Engineering Awards for the World Wireless LAN Market

A. Frost & Sullivan's 2000 Market Engineering Awards

B. Market Engineering Awards