Wireless internet networks will overtake traditional Ethernet connections within the next three years, the Burton Group has stated.

According to the research body, the new generation of 802.11n Wi-Fi technology will prove highly popular once it is released.

Currently the wireless networks are being held up in the standards ratification process of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), with the body due to ratify the technology in 2009.

In a recently-released statement, the Burton Group said: "There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in his home. But we all know what eventually happened. And sceptics may say, 'Wireless will never replace wires' - but will the future prove them wrong?"

Paul DeBeasi, an analyst at the group, added: "IT professionals should start thinking now about how they will deploy, maintain and benefit from an all-wireless LAN ."

However, despite the rapid improvements being made in radio design, security and wireless management, wired Ethernet connections are likely to remain necessary for some time in switch trunks and data network centres.

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