On market and technology trends

The emerging IEEE802.11n standard is certain to enhance wireless communication for businesses and consumers of all types. It promises higher speed as compared to wireline fast Ethernet, and is able to support the range higher than other 802.11 devices. For the system builder, that translates into lower hardware expenditure for both internal wiring and access points.

On challenges faced by the industry

There are some typical challenges faced by the industry while deploying Wi-Fi solutions in India:

• Sustainability issues
• Lack of adequate power backup
• Failed public private partnerships in the past
• High cost of PCs and laptops
• Lack of initiative by government and bureaucratic delays
• Understanding the needs of the customers

However, by and large, all these will be overcome in the future once the solution gets enhanced along with the offerings.

On key growth drivers of hotspots

Customers now expect wireless LAN connectivity everywhere-restaurants, airports, hotels, hospitals, etc. But what also has become part of customers' expectations is: free Wi-Fi. Because of the pressure to make Wi-Fi free, hotspot operators are looking at other methods to generate revenue.

On emerging trends in Wi-Fi

Both chipset and platform manufacturers are working hard to reach the 802.11n evolving market.

802.11n products have begun to dominate the PC, home, and enterprise market with the gradual diminishing of the 802.11 a, b, g markets in favor of the 802.11n segment.

On differences between WiMax and Wi-Fi technology

The fundamental difference between WiMax and Wi-Fi is that WiMax is intended for licensed spectrum in which contention among providers with different interests is eliminated; Wi-Fi is designed for a hostile environment in which every party must accept interference within the legal limits without complaint.

With the development of IEEE 802.16e mobile WiMAX, the technology could support mobile subscribers up to a distance of 30 miles whereas Wi-Fi would support a distance of only 100 meters.

Wi-Fi and WiMAX are expected to co-exist and complement each other, with pre-WiMAX and fixed WiMAX playing a significant role in last mile wireless, backhaul, and cable replacement functionality, and Wi-Fi providing omnipresent low-cost network access to mobile laptop/smart phone users. 
The emerging technologies in the Wi-Fi space clearly show that the future is going to be wireless broadband.