Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure
Gartner defines the enterprise wired and wireless LAN infrastructure market as wired and wireless networking hardware and the related network software. Related components of the solution include enterprise switches, access points and the requisite tools to secure, manage, test and optimize the network infrastructure that provides connectivity for users, devices and applications that may reside on the network or on other networks. These solutions provide capabilities including: discovering, identifying, securing, managing and segmenting IoT/OT devices; supporting, testing and maintaining network infrastructure components; providing resilient infrastructure; securing the network infrastructure; providing scalability and flexibility for management and control plane communication processes; and providing no-touch/low-touch Day 2 environment.
Vendors must, among other requirements:
A: This research covers the enterprise wired and wireless LAN infrastructure market, including wired and wireless networking hardware and related network software. It evaluates vendors offering enterprise switches, access points, and tools to secure, manage, test and optimize network infrastructure. The research analyzes vendor capabilities across both Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision dimensions, positioning 13 vendors across Leaders, Challengers, Visionaries, and Niche Players quadrants. It covers must-have capabilities, standard capabilities, and optional capabilities, as well as market trends including automation, security, AI/ML operations, and the shift to consumption-based pricing models.
A: This research should be used by I&O leaders responsible for delivering wired and wireless infrastructure to campus, branch, and remote-office environments. Organizations evaluating or refreshing their enterprise network infrastructure should use this to understand vendor positioning, strengths, and cautions. It helps buyers make informed decisions about network hardware and software investments, understand emerging capabilities like AIOps and network automation, evaluate vendor viability and market presence, and assess which vendors best align with their specific use cases, vertical markets, geographic requirements, and organizational size. The research is particularly valuable for organizations navigating decisions around Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 adoption, network security strategies, management platform choices, and consumption models including NaaS.
A: Vendors must provide IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi-certified access points supporting 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz frequencies; Ethernet network switches for access, distribution and core layers; Wi-Fi control and management functionality (physical, virtual, or cloud-based); network management application; secured third-party device management; device authentication and authorization security (such as 802.1X); security policy enforcement; wired and wireless intrusion detection; and telemetry for troubleshooting and network optimization.
A:
A: Ability to Execute evaluates vendors on their capability to deliver products and services that meet current market requirements, including product quality, sales effectiveness, market responsiveness, customer experience, and overall viability. It focuses on present performance and execution in the marketplace. Completeness of Vision assesses vendors on their understanding of market direction and their strategy to address future requirements, including market understanding, innovation, product strategy, and ability to influence market evolution. It emphasizes forward-thinking capabilities and strategic positioning for future market needs.