Enterprise mobility boosting enterprise LAN market

The inundation of smartphones and tablets experienced by many companies around the world is also forcing them to increase their investments in wireless local area network technology, according to a recent report from Canalys.

The firm's research revealed that the market for LAN products was worth $757 million during the second quarter of this year, as 1.6 million units shipped. Many companies are investing in the technology to support the mobile devices being used by employees.

"Without a suitable wireless LAN strategy, a business will soon find its existing networking deployments overwhelmed," said Canalys Analyst Alex Smith.

According to the report, LAN expansion is common among both private and public environments, including high school and college campuses, offices, hotels, airports, hospitals and retail outlets. The hospitality field is another market that is experiencing an increase in LAN usage, Canalys reported.

Companies whose usage of smartphones and tablets warrants increased spending on LAN technology must also be sure to prioritize mobile device management. The use of devices should be governed to protect company data and ensure that wireless bill costs don't spiral out of control.