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Wireless Trends. MAG Telecommunications Advisory Group. January 15, 2003. A Report based on research by Nemertes Research. The WiFi Market. Growth at a rapid rate Driven by grassroots employee demand Compelling business cases A crowded market of innovative vendors.
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Wireless Trends MAG Telecommunications Advisory Group January 15, 2003 A Report based on research by Nemertes Research
The WiFi Market • Growth at a rapid rate • Driven by grassroots employee demand • Compelling business cases • A crowded market of innovative vendors “Wireless networking is increasingly becoming a way of life for businesses and consumers. The vast majority of companies are using, testing, or planning to use some form of wireless data technology, including wireless LANs, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) hot spot services, or cellular data services.” WiFi: New Markets, Challenges, Opportunities, Nemertes Research—September 2003
Goals for WiFi • Improve Mobility • Improve productivity • Reduce Wiring Costs • Increase customer value • Improve Flexibility • Employee convenience • Operational Efficiencies
Important WiFi Specifications • 802.11b—Predominant spec, 2.4 GHz • 11 Mbps up to 150 ft. (68% of market) • 802.11a—5.8 GHZ frequency • up to 54Mbps, shortened range • 802.11g—2.4 GHz frequency • up to 54 Mbps, backward compatible to 802.11b • 802.11x and 802.11i—Security standards for WiFi
How are they using it? • Wireless LAN • Hot Spots • CDMA and 3G Cellular Data Services • From Sprint PCS, Verizon and AT&T Wireless
Best Practices for Deployment • Develop a Business Case • Know what you want • Conduct a Site Survey • Get Professional Help • Start with a Pilot • Use Standard-based solutions • Create a standard AP configuration • Make sure you have growth plan
How are they doing it? • Average cost of $688 per access point • Average number of access points is 105 • Average capital costs for wireless projects is $323,000 • 37% spent between $10,000 and $50,000 • Average number of hours spent planning is 55 • Average number of hour installing is 135
Best Practices for Security • Develop a Security Plan • Disable SSID broadcast • Change SSID’s regularly • Enable MAC address filtering • Enable WEP • Replace WEP with WPA • Use VPN’s • Scan for rogue access points
Conclusion • Wireless is here to stay • The consumer marketplace will propel use in the government enterprise • Costs are plummeting • Security is increasing • Deployment “Best Practices” are being enhanced