#United States #Redwood City #Wi-Fi 7 #Dell'Oro Group #WLAN

WLAN Market Growth Overview

In a recent report released by the Dell'Oro Group, it has been highlighted that the WLAN market is experiencing robust growth despite ongoing memory component shortages. The report reveals that during the first quarter of 2026, WLAN revenues surged, supported by a remarkable 14 percent increase in unit shipments, alongside rising average selling prices. This trend indicates a substantial shift in the market, as the industry adapts to changing demands while facing challenges posed by supply shortages.

Key Findings

Siân Morgan, Research Director at Dell'Oro Group, noted that the increase in WLAN list prices is largely driven by the soaring costs of memory components. This price adjustment is a direct response to the escalating needs of AI infrastructure, which is placing additional pressure on hardware suppliers. Although the full implications of these price hikes have yet to fully manifest in vendor revenues, the WLAN market has maintained an impressive double-digit growth rate for five consecutive quarters.

One of the standout segments in this growth is Wi-Fi 7, which achieved triple-digit revenue growth. However, the adoption rate remains relatively low, with only 37 percent of Indoor APs shipped in the first quarter of 2026 utilizing this latest technology. Major players in the market, such as Cisco, Ubiquiti, and Huawei, are at the forefront of the Wi-Fi 7 revolution. This presents a unique opportunity for these companies to encourage users to upgrade their legacy systems to the more advanced offerings available today.

Shipping and Pricing Trends

Despite the ongoing memory shortage, there are signs indicating that prices may continue to rise as the demand outpaces supply. The variability in equipment lead times signifies a supply-driven market where manufacturers must pivot to address challenges in sourcing components. Notably, shipments of access points equipped with multi-gig and 10 Gbps interfaces are on the rise, placing additional demands on campus switching infrastructure.

This transformation is indicative of an evolving WLAN landscape, where speed and reliability are paramount. Furthermore, several vendors are differentiating themselves within the market by announcing new AIOps features, which could enhance operational efficiencies and provide a competitive edge.

Outlook

Moving forward, the WLAN market's trajectory looks promising, yet it is essential to navigate the complexities of supply chains and rising component costs. As companies rush to adopt cutting-edge technological advancements, the opportunities for growth and performance improvements in wireless networking are immense. Current dynamics suggest that vendors and consumers alike must be proactive in their approach to technology adoption to fully capitalize on the advancements presented by the WLAN market. The coming quarters will reveal how well manufacturers can adapt to these changes and leverage growth opportunities in a recovering economy.

For more in-depth analysis and data, Dell'Oro Group's Wireless LAN Quarterly Report provides comprehensive coverage of both the enterprise outdoor and indoor markets. It features breakdowns of manufacturers by their revenue and average selling prices, alongside unit shipment metrics categorized by various wireless standards, including Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6, and earlier iterations.

In conclusion, the WLAN market is not only thriving amid challenges, but it is also setting the stage for future innovations in wireless technology. With key players driving advancements and growing adoption rates, the WLAN sector is one to watch closely in the coming years.