WLAN kit sales growth slows in Q3

Growth slows below 10 per cent 'temporarily' says analyst

Third-quarter sales of wireless LAN equipment and WiFi phones, including access points, WLAN controllers, and WiFi phones for the enterprise, expanded less than 10 per cent, according to Infonetics figures.

Matthias Machowinski, directing analyst for enterprise networks and video research at US-based Infonetics, said it was the first time growth had slowed to that point for 15 quarters.

This he put down to the 802.11n transition nearing completion and 802.11ac not yet having a significant effect on the market.

"Still, we consider this a temporary slowdown and expect growth to reaccelerate in the coming years as buyers focus on their WLAN infrastructure to support the growth of wireless devices and enable BYOD and employee mobility," Machowinski added.

Worldwide enterprise WLAN equipment revenue rose one per cent sequentially in Q3 to to $1.2bn (£0.73bn). This was also the first full quarter where 802.ac kit was widely available.

Three per cent of the access points sold were based on the new AC standard, according to Infonetics.

Sales of independent access points were down 40 per cent year over year in Q3, though, reflecting a move towards centrally managed WLAN.

"EMEA is doing well despite relatively weaker economic conditions," according to a statement from the analyst.