The wireless local area network (WLAN) market in Asia/Pacific excluding Japan and China (APeJC) is poised to exceed the US$1 billion milestone in 2025, driven by rising enterprise demand, advancements in campus network technologies, and significant upgrades to Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7.
IDC comments that the region's WLAN market is rebounding after a brief slowdown in 2024, thanks to strategic investments and technological transitions.
Key growth drivers for this anticipated boom include the acceleration of Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 6E deployments, an uptick in campus network investments, and a distinct shift towards wireless-first architectures.
"The adoption of advanced Wi-Fi standards continues to be a major driver of market growth," states the IDC report. The share of Wi-Fi 7 is projected to expand more than fourfold over the next five years, which will herald higher speeds and improved connectivity.
AI integration further enriches this landscape. Networking vendors are embedding artificial intelligence into their platforms, allowing for real-time analytics and automated optimisations.
"Solutions like Cisco’s Splunk and HPE Juniper’s Mist demonstrate how AI can enhance visibility and operational efficiency in enterprise WLAN environments," explains Amit Bansal, senior research manager at IDC Asia/Pacific.
The investment landscape is also evolving, with significant spending observed in the first half of 2025. Sectors such as education, government, and manufacturing are among the largest contributors to campus networking investments.
The report highlights a trend toward WLAN solutions being favoured over traditional wired systems, particularly in emerging markets where flexibility and scalability are paramount.
"AI and machine learning are now integrated into software controls, optimising traffic and spectrum for maximum performance," Bansal elaborates. He believes that networking solutions are becoming more comprehensive, merging switches with wireless LAN capabilities and enhanced security measures.
"The networking market has strong potential; providers that offer holistic solutions will have an advantage," he adds.
The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2029 is estimated to remain strong at over 4%. Notably, almost half of the enterprise WLAN revenue in APeJC is driven by key markets, including India, Australia, and South Korea.
