Introduction
In this report, we examine the evolution of the Voice over Wireless LAN (VoWLAN) market in 2023. We take into account a number of macroeconomic factors that will have a strong influence on the evolution of the market. In addition, the development of technology, in particular in wireless communications and in network architecture, is enabling the development of more reliable and robust VoWLAN solutions. In addition, the regulatory framework, which is increasingly focusing on the security of data, is pushing companies to adopt more secure communications solutions, which will increase the demand for VoWLAN solutions. Also, the change in the behavior of users, who are more and more in favor of remote and mobile communication, is reshaping the way companies implement their communication strategies. These trends are of great importance to the various actors, as they highlight the strategic importance of adapting to a rapidly changing environment, in order to maintain a competitive advantage and meet the changing expectations of users.
Top Trends
- Increased Adoption of Wi-Fi 6E
Wi-Fi 6E is gaining ground and the U.S. Department of Defense is adopting it for enhanced bandwidth. According to industry reports, Wi-Fi 6E supports up to 14 additional 160 MHz channels, which greatly improves performance. This shift is expected to improve voice quality and reduce latency in VoWLAN applications. As more and more companies migrate to Wi-Fi 6E, the demand for compatible devices will increase and affect the market.
- Integration of AI and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning are being incorporated into VoWLAN systems to optimize the performance of the network. Artificial intelligence can be used to predict congestion and improve the quality of the call. AI-driven networks have been shown to reduce the time taken to resolve faults by up to 70 per cent. Combined with smarter automation, this trend is likely to lead to more self-driving solutions that will boost the efficiency of business operations.
- Focus on Security Enhancements
The security of VoWLAN has become paramount with the growing cyber threat. A number of organizations, such as the European Union, have imposed stricter regulations on wireless security. A recent study reveals that sixty percent of wireless networks have been hacked. Future developments may include advanced encryption methods and artificial intelligence-based security checks to ensure safer communications.
- Expansion of Cloud-Based Solutions
The growth of cloud-based VoIP solutions is mainly due to the companies that offer scalability, such as Mitel. The implementation of cloud-based VoIP solutions can reduce the operating costs of companies by up to 30 per cent. Also, the ease of managing and deploying voice services makes it attractive for small and medium-sized businesses. The trend in the future may be a greater reliance on cloud-based communications.
- Enhanced User Experience through QoS
Quality of Service (QoS) features are being developed to improve the user experience in VoWLAN. Aruba, for example, has implemented QoS features that prioritise voice traffic over data. Reports show that, in some cases, QoS can improve call quality by as much as 50%. Expectations are therefore rising. Enterprises will have to invest in QoS to maintain their competitive edge.
- Growth of Unified Communications
Avaya and other companies are now putting the unified communications concept into practice in wireless LANs. The use of unified communications is shown to increase the efficiency of collaboration by 25 percent. This trend is pushing companies to use a single solution for voice, video and unified messaging. In the future, this trend will lead to a further integration of communication tools, which will make them even more efficient.
- Rise of Edge Computing
Edge computing is emerging as a key trend in VoWLAN. It is the process of bringing the data processing closer to the source. Companies such as Juniper are deploying edge solutions to reduce latency in voice applications. The figures suggest that edge computing can reduce latency by as much as 30 per cent. This trend is likely to make real-time communications easier, and is crucial for businesses with high voice traffic.
- Increased Demand for Remote Work Solutions
A shift to remote working has increased the demand for voice-over-WLAN solutions that support remote communication. It is a technology that has been adopted by the World Health Organization to support remote collaboration. Research has shown that up to 70 per cent of employees would like to work flexibly, which is why companies are investing in voice-over-WLAN. Future trends may well see the development of more user-friendly tools for remote communication.
- Interoperability with Legacy Systems
The transition from a legacy system to a new system is becoming increasingly important. A company like NETGEAR is concentrating on solutions that are able to be integrated into existing networks. 40% of companies have problems integrating new technology with their legacy systems. The trend towards a more flexible VoWLAN solution that ensures a smoother transition is likely to continue.
- Emphasis on Sustainability
This is the trend in VoWLAN technology. There are companies like Extreme Networks that focus on the environment and energy efficiency. They claim to reduce operating costs by 20 percent. This trend is in line with the global sustainability goals. Future innovations may further reduce the negative impact of wireless LANs on the environment.
Conclusion: Navigating the Voice Over WLAN Landscape
The Voice over Wi-Fi LAN market in 2023 will be characterized by a high degree of fragmentation and intense competition. The players will include both established and newcomers. There will be a trend towards a greater demand for advanced solutions, especially in North America and Europe. Enterprises will increasingly focus on artificial intelligence (AI), automation and green solutions. The vendors must strategically position themselves by using these capabilities to improve service and operational efficiency. The established players will focus on the integration of new technologies to maintain their market share, while the newcomers will use their agility and innovation to challenge the traditional business models. The ability to use AI, automation and green solutions will ultimately determine market leadership and long-term success in the market.