Wireless protocol analysers market continues to grow
February 2008
News
Important mergers and acquisitions (M&As) among equipment manufacturers continue to impact the growth of the wireless protocol analyser (WPA) markets. Technologies such as WiMax, IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), and long term evolution (LTE) are expected to generate demand for new products and upgrades from equipment manufacturers as well as network operators. Additionally, network convergence and its related complexities will likely drive demand for test equipment.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan finds that the market earned revenues of $297,9 million in 2006 and estimates this to reach $308,2 million in 2013.
"The introduction of new technologies and standards is expected to play a major role in the progress of the world WPA market as they will necessitate new test products and/or upgrades," notes Frost & Sullivan industry manager Jessy Cavazos. "IMS, LTE, and Mobile WiMax are expected to be the strongest growth drivers in the short term. To some extent, LTE requires a total change of test and measurement tools as the network architecture is expected to change significantly."
Moreover, networks continue to become more complex as converged networks become a reality with technologies such as IMS spanning the wireline and wireless spaces. The market will witness an increase in interoperability issues, more complex media streams and scenarios as well as a transition in the wireless space to IP. Service providers will need simple to use tools that help trouble-shooters ensure optimal network operability.
However, ongoing M&As have significantly reduced the customer base for WPAs. Despite 3G's better margins, only Ericsson achieved profitability during the shift in network equipment manufacturer sales from 2G to 3G. This led to significant merger and acquisition activity in the equipment manufacturers market with mergers such as Alcatel/Lucent and Nokia/Siemens.
"These mergers are expected to significantly impact the growth of the WPA market as the subsequent integration process is often riddled with delays, budget freezes, and process reassessments," says Cavazos. "Over time, this will impact prices as well as total demand for WPAs as there will only be a few very large customers."
For more information contact Patrick Cairns, Frost & Sullivan, +27 (0)21 680 3274, [email protected], www.frost.com
Further reading:
Rooibos heads to space in groundbreaking South African STEM initiative
News
Rooibos seeds will be sent to the International Space Station as part of a first-of-its-kind South African initiative combining space-based plant science with hands-on STEM education for learners in the Cederberg region and Cape Town.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: Turning the tide
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Our last few Sustainable Manufacturing guides have tracked the changes in the energy industry in South Africa. This year, I found that the story has moved on still further.
South Africa’s manufacturing
...
Read more...
Engineering a more inclusive future
News
Women engineers at Zutari are helping shape resilient communities across Africa and the Middle East, while inspiring the next generation to enter the profession in areas ranging from water security to large-scale urban developments.
Read more...
Schneider Electric inspires future women engineers
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric welcomed female engineering students from its education partner Sedibeng TVET College, Sebokeng to its Midrand headquarters for its Mandela Day Mentorship Café initiative, transforming a day of service into a day of inspiration, learning and opportunity.
Read more...
Supporting an inclusive circular economy transition in South Africa
News
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has released its Circular Economy Science, Technology and Innovation strategy. The document sets out how research, development and innovation can support South Africa’s shift away from a linear economic model.
Read more...
Why sustainability and resilience matter more than ever to navigate the ESG backlash
News
ESG, once heralded as a pragmatic framework for embedding long-term resilience into business, is facing growing resistance. The backlash we are seeing may appear reactionary, but it should not distract us from the facts. In this climate, I often find myself returning to the core purpose behind sustainability - creating long-term value in a world of escalating uncertainty.
Read more...
Electra Mining Africa showcases the technologies shaping tomorrow’s industry
News
Taking place from 7 to 11 September 2026 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, Electra Mining Africa will showcase thousands of products, technologies and services from more than 1000 local and international exhibitors.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: Building a better future
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
This issue of
SA Instrumentation & Control includes our Sustainable Manufacturing Industry Guide, which has some great examples of companies actively contributing to a net-zero carbon future. It’s also
...
Read more...
Latest automation innovations on show at Electra Mining Africa 2026
News
Electra Mining Africa 2026 will showcase new developments in mining automation, AI-integrated safety systems, digital power solutions and CNC simulation technology, alongside a new outdoor Orange Zone exhibition area at the Johannesburg Expo Centre.
Read more...
Tech4Tomorrow Winter School inspires future innovators in Hammarsdale
News
Counter Space Learning hosted its Tech4Tomorrow Winter School, bringing robotics, programming and artificial intelligence to learners who might not otherwise have access to these technologies.
Read more...
printer friendly version