Notebook PCs - Central to the High-Speed Wireless Web

In an increasingly competitive environment, the introduction and evolution of high-speed wireless technologies in notebook PCs has been a logical step. The desire to connect notebooks to peripheral devices has led manufacturers to actively look at high-speed technologies as a market-proven solution for these needs. With Bluetooth attach rates nearing significant numbers, and 802.11 already prevalent, notebook manufacturers are looking to more advanced connectivity solutions to differentiate products, and to cater for the ever increasing needs of faster speeds.

IMS Research foresees the notebook PC remaining at the centre of the "high-speed web" and believes it to be integral to the future success of the high-speed market as a whole. The relationship between consumer devices and the notebook is becoming ever closer. However, as usual there are many wireless technologies targeting notebook PCs and there simply isn't room for all.

Wireless USB (WUSB) started promisingly with the prospect of using the existing wired platform to form the bases of the wireless infrastructure. Since its launch in 2007, WUSB has failed to deliver for a number of reasons, and despite being a plausible technology has struggled to move into high volume shipments. In light of the newly announced Bluetooth high speed and the proposed Peer-to-Peer 802.11n, some have questioned whether there is really a need for WUSB.

Classic Bluetooth penetration in notebook PCs has now reached an attach rate of over 40% in 2009. However, classic Bluetooth lacks both the date rates and bandwidths needed for use-cases like: photo and video sharing; music streaming; audio file transfer; PC to DVD connection; PC to smartphone synchronisation and so on. With this in mind, it seems a natural progression for notebook PCs to evolve from using classic Bluetooth to using Bluetooth high speed.

In addition, 802.11 standards have had tremendous success in notebook PCs and remains the wireless technology of choice for PC networking. Previously Bluetooth had the advantage over 802.11 in that it had a greater legacy of devices, and was a P2P solution, however 802.11 penetration into other devices such as cell phones and PMPs has been increasing in recent years. Furthermore, the prospect of developing Peer-to-Peer 802.11n is extremely appealing and is a serious competitor to Bluetooth high speed for Notebook PCs.

Other high-speed technologies such as WHDI and WirelessHD have the initial target of developing an ecosystem around HDTVs. Once established, the aim is to penetrate other products such as DVDs, Set-top boxes; then eventually cellular handsets and notebook PCs. Therefore, at this point notebook PCs are not the primary focus but a long-term strategy for an ecosystem. which recognises the importance of notebook PCs for high-speed connection.

Many in the notebook PC market are very optimist with regards to upcoming 60-GHz technologies. Many have suggested that WiGig will take the baton from 802.11n, to provide the next generation of high-speed wireless in notebook PC. This is a longer-term strategy as essentially this technology is at the beginning of the long road from inception to completion.

Essentially the notebook PC market is not big enough for all of these standards. In conclusion, IMS Research forecast that Bluetooth high speed and 802.11n P2P will both capture more of the market than WUSB. In addition, although dependant on penetration into other devices, in the longer-term WHDI and WirelessHD is predicted to feature in notebook PCs.

Posted to the site on 10th August 2009