Cisco Cisco Aironet 1130 AG Access Point Libro blanco

  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Five Myths of Wireless Networks 

 

IT professionals who have resisted deploying pervasive wireless networks based on 

earlier assessments need to revisit their decisions in light of a new generation of 

standards, technologies, and products.  

Galloway 

VP and GM, Wireless Networking 
Cisco Systems 

The primary reasons IT professionals cite for not adopting pervasive wireless are: 

•  The benefits of a wireless network versus a wired network are not clear. 
•  There are security threats to wireless networks. 
•  The complexity of wireless networks—and the resources required to deploy and 

support them—are too costly.  

•  Wireless technology is still not mature. 
•  Aside from data mobility, the business value of wireless networks isn’t evident. 

This white paper addresses the top concerns of IT professionals who resist the 

deployment of pervasive, enterprise-wide wireless networks. It identifies these 

reservations based on the experience of Cisco Systems

®

 and Intel in leading new 

efforts in wireless standards and working with enterprise customers. By presenting 

advances in wireless technologies, products, and standards, this paper challenges 

the outdated perceptions that currently prevent many businesses from capturing the 

tangible benefits of pervasive wireless networks. 

Many IT professionals do not see the business case for wireless networks given the wired Ethernet infrastructure that is currently in place. 

While wired networks offer a more deterministic medium for data transfer, they cannot offer the pervasive connectivity inherent in wireless 

networks, which are designed for today’s mobile computing environment.  

A key driver for pervasive wireless connectivity is the increase in the number of mobile devices capable of connecting to the network. As client 

devices expand in form factor and functionality, the benefit of wireless connectivity grows. Analyst firms confirm that for the first time ever, the 

shipment of notebook computers has surpassed desktops. An estimated 95 percent of those notebook computers have embedded Wi-Fi. And 

the growth of mobile wireless notebook computers shows no sign of slowing. Notebook computers in the enterprise are expected to grow at a 

compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18 percent between 2005 and 2010. This is a significant trend for IT departments because the 

7/25/06