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We asked our site experts to give us their industry predictions for the New Year. Here's what Lisa Phifer had to say.
In 2002, wireless LANs will continue to spread like wildfire. Enterprise networks will grow wireless LANs in conference rooms, cafeterias, and public "hot spots." Unauthorized wireless access points will find their way into corporate offices, cubicles, and teleworker home offices. Consumer PCs will ship with embedded wireless support; laptops will offer wireless adapter options.
Oh, wait...all of this already happened in 2001! Worldwide, over 4.5 million 802.11b products were sold last year. Get ready for even greater growth in 2002 -- and with it, a renewed awareness and emphasis on wireless security. With wireless cards under $100 and access points starting around $200, wireless LANs are sure to be popular gifts this holiday season.