New WiFi standard cannot completely replace wired Ethernet

The next evolution of the Wi-Fi standard, 802.11ac, will provide faster wireless connection speeds and higher data transmission rates, which will play a role in promoting network video browsing and uploading and downloading large-capacity files. Although wireless technology is booming, it cannot completely replace wired Ethernet. Analysts pointed out that the cost of Wired connection is relatively low and will still be favored by the market.

Market research firm In-Stat analyst Gregory Potter said the new specification has multiple advantages over 802.11n, the network connection speed will exceed 1 Gbps, will save more energy when applied to mobile devices.

Kelly Davis-Felner, marketing director of the WiFi alliance, added that 802.11ac will use less 5 GHz frequencies. As the consumer's mobile terminal usage increases and bandwidth-consuming applications increase, 802.11ac improves the household Wi-Fi network capability.

Filomena Berardi, a senior WiFi analyst at IMS, commented that by extending the wider radio frequency in 802.11n, more air interface concepts such as multi-input, multi-output space streams, and high-density modulation, the new standard increases throughput.

The new Wi-Fi specifications are more widely used in home videos. The cable TV set-top box transmits programs wirelessly for TVs in different rooms, and facilitates large-capacity file transmission between mobile terminals and home computers.

Davis-Felner pointed out that the new regulations will promote consumers and enterprise products, devices such as laptops, tablets, printers, televisions, and smartphones will enjoy the benefits of performance and bandwidth capacity, and will be able to make good use of allocated spectrum resources that are not crowded.

Although the new specification has broad commercial prospects, Berardi cannot completely replace wired Ethernet in enterprises. It can only be said to be an effective supplement to enterprise networks.

Potter believes that the trend of using WiFi to replace wired Ethernet in small homes has been around for several years and he expects this trend to extend to large enterprises. However, many companies still choose to use wired Ethernet for cost advantages, and many buildings are pre-laid with cables. As the number of employees increases, it is more economical to use wired Ethernet.

Before In-Stat, it was estimated that the shipment of 802.11ac devices would reach 2015 units by 0.7 billion. In the early stage, equipment manufacturers will face the challenge of persuading customers to adopt the next generation of devices. However, there is always a group of users who want to try products with higher speeds. This group will promote the popularization of devices based on new specifications.