802.11n standard represents the beginning of the end for wired Ethernet as the dominant local area network (LAN) access technology in the enterprise. Over the next few years, improvements in system silicon, radio design, network control, wireless security, power management, and cost will improve 802.11n to the point where it will begin to erode the switched Ethernet market.

This report compares 802.11n to Gigabit Ethernet for use in local area network (LAN) access applications. More specifically, the report compares both technologies in six dimensions: mobility, performance, security, management, staffing, and cost.