Tech Outlook: Wireless LAN.

(From Network Computing Asian Edition)

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Enhanced security and QoS to boost WLAN Enhanced security and QoS to boost WLAN

Enterprise wireless networks are growing by leaps and bounds. Research firm META Group estimates that 75% of Global 2000 firms already have some implementation of wireless local area networks (WLANs).

Moreover, Gartner predicts that 95% of PC laptops will be WLAN enabled by 2005. The reasons for the explosive growth in enterprise wireless use are real productivity gains and new enhanced security features.

Companies are also using wireless networks in difficult-to-wire buildings (especially older structures) and temporary installations such as trade shows, corporate events, and rented buildings, where the cost of the time, materials, and labour involved in creating a traditional wired network exceeds the cost of installing a WLAN.

Additionally, companies are using wireless networking to provide building-to-building connectivity. For example, if a company has two offices that are within 25km of one another and have a clear line of sight, it can use special directional antennas to establish a high-speed outdoor link between the two buildings. The wired Internet access from one building can be leveraged in the other building, thus eliminating the cost of a T-1 line between the buildings.