Report: Wireless Metro Area Networks Set to Boom

Spurred by the growing popularity of wireless hotspots, wireless metropolitan area networks (WMANs) are set to grow rapidly, according to a report released Wednesday by Datacomm Research Company.

WMANs provide an easier way for vendors to connect their hotspots to the Internet than high-speed wired access, the report notes. Such wireless backhaul capabilities cost less and are easier to deploy.

"The growing need for high-speed communications between fixed locations combined with rapidly evolving technology will breathe new life into the wireless MAN industry," Ira Brodsky, president of Datacomm Research said in a statement. Brodsky is the author of the report.

Besides providing backhaul capabilities for hotspots, the second most common application for WMANs will be so-called metro Ethernets that interconnect an enterprise's LANs that are located in various locations, the report said.

The report also noted that the technology will high-speed provide access to users in rural areas that aren't served by landline high-speed access. However, the report predicted that such wireless access won't replace wired broadband such as cable modems and DSL when those services are available.Because of these applications, WMAN equipment vendors should enjoy sales of about $5 billion a year by 2007, the report predicted.

There are several types of WMAN technology, including WiMax, which is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard. Among others, Intel is championing WiMax and has said it will release WiMax technology in the second half of next year. Other WMAN technologies are offered as overlays to existing wireless data networks offered by wireless operators.