Wi-Fi meshing, which allows wireless access nodes to achieve a longer range by using each other as repeaters, is becoming increasingly common in several markets, says In-Stat. More than 50,000 Wi-Fi mesh AP (access point) unit shipments are expected in 2006, with almost 100,000 unit shipments expected in 2010.
Wi-Fi meshing, which allows wireless access nodes to achieve a longer range by using each other as repeaters, is becoming increasingly common in several markets, says In-Stat. More than 50,000 Wi-Fi mesh AP (access point) unit shipments are expected in 2006, with almost 100,000 unit shipments expected in 2010. Incompatibility among systems, however, is a potential hurdle for the growth of the technology. (For more about industrial Wi-Fi products, search that word at www.controleng.com .)
“There is no industry standard for mesh networking yet, so interoperability between vendors continues to be problematic; customers must purchase their Wi-Fi mesh gear from one vendor,” says Gemma Tedesco, In-Stat analyst.
Recent research by In-Stat found:
Although Tropos has the largest mindshare in municipal mesh networking, Nortel, Strix, BelAir, and SkyPilot pushed into the market in 2006.
Cisco is perceived as a wildcard. It launched Wi-Fi mesh APs in late 2005 and is using its strong IT channels into businesses and government networks.
Throughout 2006, most Wi-Fi mesh vendors tied their growth to municipal network build-outs.
The research, “Wi-Fi Goes Long: The Wi-Fi Mesh Equipment Market,” covers the market, including an overview of the technology and profiles of major vendors. It also contains forecasts for AP unit shipments and revenue through 2010. Analysis of the technology’s drivers and barriers is included.
In separate research, Frost & Sullivan expects continuing expansion of wireless sensing. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan’s World Wireless Sensors and Transmitters Markets reveals that revenues in this market totaled $160 million in 2005 and can reach $1,850 million in 2012. Wireless sensors are rapidly gaining a stronghold in various industrial sectors such as building automation and automation.
In-Stat and Control Engineering are part of Reed Business Information.
www.instat.com
www.frost.com