Faster Wireless Standard Making Mark in Home Networking

­Home network users are continuing to migrate to newer and faster home networking connectivity technologies, including Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11n and alternative wire technologies, such as coax, powerline and phone wiring. In 2008, 10/100 Ethernet was still the leading technology in use with home networks worldwide. However, 802.11x networks will outnumber 10/100 Ethernet by the end of 2009, reports In-Stat.

In addition, many Wi-Fi users have transitioned (or are transitioning) from 802.11b to the more robust 802.11g, and some have begun to upgrade from 802.11g to draft 802.11n-compatible products.

"Another notable trend is that the use of home networks for more than just Internet sharing among North American users increased from 41.8% in 2008 to 49.7% in 2009," says Joyce Putscher, In-Stat analyst. "But most consumers have not yet bridged the chasm between the PC and consumer electronics (CE) worlds by adding CE devices to their networks."

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

• Worldwide installed home networks will surpass 300 million households in 2011.
• Home networks with Gigabit Ethernet will more than quadruple through 2013 to nearly 90 million households worldwide.
• Asia/Pacific will lead in Wi-Fi home network penetration by 2012.
• Europe leads in networked households with alternative wire technologies, both currently and throughout the forecast period.

Posted to the site on 9th September 2009