On the wireless side, according to the 802.11 Official Timelines, 802.11n promises up to 540Mbit/sec. throughput and is projected for approval as a standard in April 2008. Devices based on the 802.11n draft, such as the Linksys Wireless-N Broadband Router, are . However, installing based on a standard before it is ratified can potentially introduce future interoperability issues.

The important concept to keep in mind is that while the network equipment industry is producing products for both media with increased bandwidth capacity, wired will most likely continue to hold a significant edge in throughput. The question then that needs to be addressed is whether the added bandwidth is needed by the projected uses of the network and is addressed in the next section.

Convergence is a trend that will continue. Voice over IP (VOIP) is no longer a wired-only option, with softphones and handheld 802.11b sets, such as the Cisco Unified Wireless IP Phone 7920, currently available. Many access points offer QoS to ensure the small bandwidth needed per call is available. Voice terminals -- wired or wireless -- don't need much bandwidth per call (64Kbit/sec.) but demand low latency. A QoS configured access point can ensure someone downloading a large file will not interfere with a sales call to a client.

Convergence does not end with VOIP. Roaming between IP and cellular networks is already offered in a pilot project by T-Mobile in limited areas. So long as the service is sound and the technology matures, it is reasonable to expect offerings of this type of converged services to expand.

Keeping up with the developments in technology and trends is important, but only if applied properly. To do so, a clear understanding of the needs of the network users is necessary.