Worldwide revenue for wireless Lan equipment dipped 5%
in the fourth quarter of 2006 to $740.6m (£390m), but topped $2.8bn
(£1.47bn) for the full year, said analyst
Infonetics Research.
The wireless Lan switch segment was especially strong, said
Infonetics, achieving 27% revenue growth in 2006, despite a slower
fourth quarter.
"It was a strong year for wireless Lan equipment, posting
double-digit annual growth for the third consecutive year," said
Richard Webb, an analyst at Infonetics Research.
He said, "Organisations are learning to leverage high speed
connectivity with mobility in the workplace, meaning wireless Lans
continue to penetrate all sectors.
“Additionally, 802.11 solidified its position as the leading
home networking technology, with sales of consumer products boosted
by the launch of even faster pre-802.11n draft products in 2006,"
said Webb.
Infonetics predicts that worldwide WLAN equipment revenue will
grow 51% to $4.3bn (£2.26bn) between 2006 and 2010.
Linksys is the leading provider of Wi-Fi kit in residential
markets, followed by Netgear and D-Link, said Infonetics.
Cisco is the leader in the business market, followed by Aruba
Networks and Motorola, which recently acquired Symbol
Technologies.
European Wi-Fi usage spirals
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