The transition between Ethernet to Wireless LAN

The prevalence of wireless LAN (WLAN) networks has caused 50 to 90 percent of Ethernet ports to go unused at many companies. The irony here is that many remain unconvinced of the robustness of enterprise WiFi networks, even as an increasing number of folks are clueless about what to do with a patch cord. I can attest to this from direct experience with students at a local college, and from a computer course to boot.

Michael King, a research director from Gartner noted in a recent NetworkWorld article, "By 2011, 70% of all net new ports will be wireless." This obviously begs the question of whether an organization should even bother investing in wired infrastructure--which typically charges based on the number of network points installed. Recurring costs in the form of maintenance contracts for network switches are also a factor to consider.

The general consensus appears to be that it all depends on the actual application. Web-based portals and systems should have no problem running off WLAN, though CTOs will likely only be comfortable running 24/7 applications and critical functions off a wired network.

Ultimately, there is no clear-cut winner in terms of an Ethernet-only deployment versus a WLAN-only deployment. For now, deployment decisions will likely be based on cost effectiveness for individual companies and locations. The situation could quickly change though, so it will be useful to stay tuned to the latest developments.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at Network World

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