Cisco may replace Symbol as WLAN switch leader

Symbol Technologies, the first vendor to launch a wireless LAN switch, faces an increased threat to its dominance of that market from router giant Cisco Systems, according to data released today by Infonetics Research.

With 28% of the market, Symbol held onto its top slot in the WLAN switch segment in the third quarter, Infonetics said. But Cisco, which already leads the larger WLAN equipment market, became a close second behind Symbol in the WLAN switch space thanks to its acquisition of Airespace earlier this year.

"Cisco is whittling down Symbol's head-start in the WLAN switch segment and may soon claim the number-one spot," said Infonetics Research analyst Richard Webb in a statement issued today. “Despite not having the wireless-only focus of some of its competitors, Cisco has the ability to integrate wireless, security, VPN, VoIP, routing, and switching, giving it significant advantages in the enterprise market as WLAN converges with other technologies.”

In the third quarter, Cisco also bested Trapeze Networks and Aruba Networks, which took the third and fourth-place slots, respectively, in the WLAN switch space.

With about $95.1 million in the third quarter, the WLAN switch market represented about 13% of the larger market for WLAN gear. Infonetics predicts it will become a $746.5 million market in 2008.