Network managers think you're coming back to the office. Why else did they go on a Wi-Fi 6 buying spree? A surge in wireless LAN sales in the opening three months of 2021 signals businesses are preparing to have you return to the office, according to IDC. The WLAN enterprise segment grew by a hefty 24.6 per cent year-on-year to $1.66bn for 1Q21, while the consumer market grew 11.7 per cent to $2.34bn. Total combined sector sales …
Because IT perhaps had time on their hands to do it (once everyone was working at tome) and quiet offices to do it in.
Plus of course things like service improvement, better security potentially, out of date existing kit, eol kit, insecure kit, kit which can't be upgraded or is hard to maintain (because for instance it requires Java or an old SSL protocol), any number of reasons really.
And of course probably less restriction on the budget as the business might have realised the value of their IT department (its not just a cost centre) and there is scope in the 'covid' budget for such things.
Over lockdown, I had two office upgrades from 1990's cabling to Cat6/6a. With clear desks and not having to work around people the job got done a lo quicker.
The WiFi element of each was perhaps more significant than the fixed network - one organisation going from mainly desk-based and a few laptops and iPad to 40+ laptops and 80+ iPads plus phones, all of which would be expected to connect via WiFi.
My assumption here is similar, yes people will be going back to the office, but will be using the laptops etc. they have been given to work from home, hence the need for improved WiFi.
This post has been deleted by its author
The Register 
Biting the hand that feeds IT
Copyright. All rights reserved © 1998–2025
