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The Wireless LAN. Can it still be the exciting bit of networking if Nortel is doing it?

Wireless - it's been the - er - sexy end of networking for quite a while now. The idea of connecting up without having to plug in those pesky wires has a lot of end user appeal.

From an IT manager's point of view, of course, it's not always quite so appealing. Not only do they have to install and manage two networks -- the software for managing wireless kit is quite often separate from the stuff they use for the original wired system -- but it's by no means a cost-free business.

OK, you don't have to install cabling to every desk... but you do have to punch holes in the false ceiling, run both power and Ethernet cables - even though in some cases you can do without the power cable - and lock down the expensive access points so that only certified authorised users can attach to them.

Security? Long the wireless network's Achilles' heel, security issues have faded into the background as the technology seems to be now robust enough for most organisations' needs. As to whether it's always properly deployed and configured -- well, that's another story.

With me so far? The finance director often has final say, given that he or she has to answer the question why, if there's a network already installed, do you need another one. Making productivity gains the sole basis of the argument can be tough.

But this week, Nortel, the large network infrastructure company which went through an evolutionary bottleneck after some ill-judged acquisitions during the dotcom boom, is planning to bring to market wholly wireless offices using Nortel-designed products. Quite an investment, given that it previously used an outside supplier for such kit, Trapeze Networks.

Nortel obviously judges that the time is right to sell wireless networks as standalone systems. That says a lot about the willingness of today's enterprises to do away with cabling altogether. Not that cable doesn't still have a lot going for it -- but it does suggest that corporates are more comfortable now with wireless-only infrastructures than ever.

Which is nice, if you're a wireless vendor. Instead of selling miles of dirt-cheap cable, you sell expensive access points and dedicated management software.

Enterprises? Must have money to burn...

Copyright Network Weekly 2007