The market data are based on a newly published report titled Wireless LAN Report 2Q08, Vol. 8, No. 2 by Dell’Oro Group. Aruba, the world’s second largest supplier of enterprise wireless LANs by revenue, started shipping 802.11n access points in volume in February 2008.
“The higher throughput, capacity, and range offered by 802.11n-based equipment is changing perceptions of WLAN as a complement to part of the core enterprise network,” according to Dell’Oro’s report. “During the first half of 2008, 802.11n-based equipment shipments reached 8% of total enterprise WLAN unit shipments; we expect this percentage to reach 18% of total unit shipments in the second half of the year. Overall we estimate the WLAN penetration rate for the full year of 2008 will reach 14% and grow to 30% by 2012.”
Aruba has taken an innovative approach to 802.11n by focusing on the aesthetics and miniaturisation of its access point design, lowering power consumption, and incorporating the latest security features such as Trusted Platform Modules. To simplify installation and maintenance, the company’s Adaptive Radio Management (ARM) technology automatically adapts the 802.11n network to accommodate user behavior, interference, and nearby networks. The combination of innovative design and usability features have resonated with customers as demonstrated by the quarter-by-quarter increase in market share.
“The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11n draft standard, although unfinished, is the beginning of the end for wired Ethernet as the dominant local area network (LAN) access technology in the enterprise,” said Paul DeBeasi. “We’re already seeing how refinements in system silicon, radio design, network control, wireless security, and power management have improved 802.11n to the point where it is starting to erode the switched Ethernet access market.”
“Aruba is leading the charge into the all-wireless workplace using advanced 802.11n designs as its spearhead,” said Keerti Melkote, Aruba’s co-founder and chief technology officer. “This effort has coincided with a fundamental shift in the market towards wireless solutions that enhance mobility, allow resources to be moved where they are needed most, and lower the cost of network deployments and maintenance. The enterprise wireless LAN market remains a two horse race, but these latest market share data show that we’re gaining fast on the incumbent.”