The Future of Industrial WLAN: 6 GHz APs Expected to Dominate Shipments by 2030
The Future of Industrial WLAN: 6 GHz APs Expected to Dominate Shipments by 2030
In the realm of wireless connectivity within industrial environments, spectrum congestion has posed a significant challenge. The traditional 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands limit the reliability and quality of connections essential for critical applications. Many industrial organizations have historically favored wired solutions over wireless alternatives due to these shortcomings. However, the recent introduction of the 6 GHz spectrum band is on track to revolutionize this landscape.
The additional 1200 MHz provided by the 6 GHz band offers a much-needed boost in capacity, thus addressing the increasing demand for robust communication infrastructure. According to a forecast by ABI Research, shipments of rugged industrial WLAN access points (APs) are expected to experience a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% between 2024 and 2030.
Regional Variations in Growth
The adoption of 6 GHz technology is not expected to play out uniformly across the globe. In countries such as the United States, where the regulatory environment is favorable for WLAN technologies, ruggedized WLAN AP shipments are anticipated to increase dramatically—estimated to be 219% higher in 2030 compared to 2023. Conversely, in Mainland China, the focus on next-gen networks like 5G and 6G for operational technologies poses constraints, resulting in only a modest 7% growth in WLAN shipments over the same period.
Evolution of Standards
As of 2024, Wi-Fi 4, or the 802.11n standard, dominated the industrial WLAN market, but with the rise of new technologies, this landscape is changing rapidly. By 2026, projections indicate that shipments of rugged WLAN APs equipped with 802.11ax, commonly known as Wi-Fi 6, will surpass those of Wi-Fi 4 for the first time. The transition is driven by manufacturers releasing new products that adopt this modern standard, making it more efficient and capable.
Interestingly, while the enterprise market has seen a decline in demand for 6 GHz-enabled 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6E) APs, this trend does not hold for industrial environments. Industrial sectors continue to show strong demand for this stepping-stone standard, seeking the increased capacity and reliability that 6 GHz can provide, while showing disinterest in newer standards like 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7).
Challenges and Considerations
The industrial WLAN market operates under its own unique set of conditions, often differing significantly from enterprise networking environments. While enterprise networks have largely transitioned away from older standards like Wi-Fi 4, this protocol remains prevalent in the industrial sector. Moreover, the anticipated rollout of Wi-Fi 7 is unlikely to see immediate adoption in industrial applications, as the market appears to favor a gradual upgrade directly from Wi-Fi 6 to Wi-Fi 8.
These discrepancies add complex layers to industrial WLAN network management, underscoring the necessity for robust external support and strategic guidance.
Conclusion
The shift towards 6 GHz-enabled WLAN technology marks a pivotal moment in industrial automation and connectivity. With a pronounced growth trajectory forecasted through 2030, organizations contemplating upgrades to their wireless networks should closely evaluate the evolving standards and regional regulatory landscapes to maximize the benefits of this transition. Reports from ABI Research serve as valuable resources, offering insights on this rapidly transforming technological frontier.
This information is fortunately complemented by ABI Research, a firm specializing in technology intelligence. Their work highlights the intricate intersections of technology providers and end-market companies, making them a vital player as industries navigate the complexities of modern industrial WLAN solutions.