Typically, higher bandwidth networking technologies are first deployed in corporate LAN backbones to resolve network bottlenecks. As costs come down, desktop deployment expands to a more general audience. Any given technology's overall use in LAN backbones and subsequent transition to the desktop is dependent on how closely the technology matches the existing networking infrastructure.
Disruptive technologies face more barriers thus limiting their success as a backbone solution.
Another factor influencing a high-speed technology's migration to mainstream desktops is the capacity to deploy the technology as a strategic solution. Offering a smooth migration path for the installed base, strategic solutions are priced for the mainstream market, and often offer the ability to operate at multiple speeds. Several other factors also influence users when adopting new networking technologies. Among them is the LAN backbone technology's similarity to the prevailing desktop technology, which simplifies the user's deployment, upgrade, and maintenance requirements. Also important is whether the technology is available from existing vendors, which can provide a higher comfort level for users, as well as user confidence in and standardization of the technology.