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Multimedia Will Ride on Wireless Home Nets

Adoption of next-generation specifications will provide a substantial boost to the market for wireless multimedia networking, prompting growth in excess of 50 million wireless network devices by 2010, according to a new study from Parks Associates.

Their new report predicts that annual sales and shipments of wireless multimedia-capable devices, including home networking gear, personal computers, and fixed and mobile consumer electronics, will grow from 2.5 million units in 2006 to nearly 52 million units by year-end 2010, due in large part to standardization in the market.

"Multiple factors are driving the move by both manufacturers and service providers in embracing wireless connectivity," said Kurt Scherf, vice president and principal analyst with Parks Associates.

"Service providers are looking for greater ownership in developing home networking solutions, broadband operators need to reduce CAPEX costs in deploying home networking equipment, new content services are on the rise, and consumers are invariably in favor of eliminating cables. These are all positive signs that the 802.11n and WiMedia solutions -- among the many home networking options -- will continue to drive growth in new home networking applications."

Parks report probes the features and applications of next-generation Wi-Fi 802.11n technology, examines market requirements for wireless multimedia networking, compares and contrasts competing technologies, analyzes industry issues and the competitive landscape, and predicts market size and demand for a variety of wireless multimedia applications, including home networking equipment, computers, and fixed and mobile entertainment CE devices.

In 2007 we should anticipate more home networking routers that incorporate multiple wired network standards (coax, phone and/or power line), in addition to a high-speed wireless network standard. BTW, my current wireless AP is based on the 802.11B standard, and I'm waiting for a meaningful enhancement before I choose to upgrade to a new router.

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