Mr. Zeus Kerravala points out in a recent article for Network World that tablet computing, smartphones and BYOD (bring your own device) have put significant emphasis on corporate wireless LAN networks and WIFI spending is growing across IT. Many are starting to agree with the notion that the wireless network for organizations will become the primary network for some, but Mr. Kerravala shares his viewpoint on how the wireless network still has need for improvement before it can replace a wired LAN:
- High-density support for devices. The performance of the network should remain the same no matter the number of users as is the case with a wired network.
- Infrastructure, Client and Application resiliency. Wireless networks have a need for improvement in all of these categories.
- Better support for real-time media such as voice and video. Wired networks have had to focus on improvements here for a number of years due to the high amounts of IP-based multi-media traffic. As the use of tablets, smartphones and laptops continues to increase much of this traffic will come over a wireless network.
- Application-specific support. A wireless network treats all applications the same, however, Mr. Kerravala points out that small tweeks to certain applications could improve user experience.
