Enterprise WLAN Market Expected to Defy Macroeconomic Weakness, According to Dell’Oro Group

Strong Demand for 802.11n Equipment Helped Cisco Extend Lead Over Competition

According to a recently published report from Dell’Oro Group, the trusted source for market information about the networking and telecommunications industries, the enterprise wireless LAN (WLAN) market increased over 15 percent from the year ago quarter. Strong demand for 802.11n-based access points not only lifted enterprise WLAN revenues in the third quarter, but also is helping increase the size of WLAN deployments. Despite macroeconomic weakness, the enterprise WLAN market is forecasted to grow in 2009 as enterprises opt for higher performance 802.11n equipment.

“The combination of twice the speed, twice the distance, but less than twice the price of legacy 802.11a/g equipment is making 802.11n an increasingly attractive option for enterprises to provide network connectivity to their users,” commented Ben Kwan, Analyst of Wireless LAN research at Dell’Oro Group. “802.11n is increasing the size of WLAN deployments. Since the introduction of enterprise- grade 802.11n equipment in the fourth quarter of 2007, the access point to switch ratio has grown by over 40 percent,” added Kwan.

The report also shows that revenue decline from 802.11a/g was offset by strong revenue growth from 802.11n on both a sequential and year-over-year basis. Strong demand for 802.11n equipment helped Cisco gain 4 almost percentage points of revenue share this quarter to reach nearly two-thirds of the total WLAN market.

About the Report

The Dell’Oro Group Wireless LAN Quarterly report offers complete, in-depth coverage of the Service Provider, Enterprise, SOHO, and External Client Devices markets with tables containing manufacturers’ revenue, average selling prices, and unit shipments by the following wireless standards: 802.11g, 802.11a/g and 802.11n. To purchase this report, please contact Emily Kendall, call +1.650.622.9400 x223 or email Emily {at} DellOro(.)com.

About Dell’Oro Group

As the trusted source for market information about the networking and telecommunications industries, Dell’Oro Group provides in-depth, objective research and analysis that enable component manufacturers, equipment vendors, and investment firms to make fact-based, strategic decisions. For more information, contact Dell’Oro Group at +1.650.622.9400 or visit www.DellOro.com.

Contacts

Dell’Oro Group
Margaret Miles, +1-650-622-9400 ext. 225
Fax: +1-650-654-9428
Margaret {at} DellOro(.)com