Skip to main content

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.

Popular posts from this blog

Why AI Budgets Miss a $9.2 Billion Storage Problem

The worldwide external enterprise storage systems market reached a key point in the first quarter of 2026, and the implications for organizations running Applied-AI initiatives are impossible to ignore. IDC's latest market study reveals that systems grew 22.7 percent year-over-year to $9.2 billion, a dramatic acceleration from the 3.9 percent full-year 2025 growth rate. For enterprise leaders who have spent the past two years prioritizing GPU clusters and server infrastructure while treating storage as a secondary consideration, this data should serve as actionable guidance. The storage bottleneck in AI deployment is no longer theoretical, and the market dynamics now unfolding will directly shape the cost, timeline, and architectural viability of AI programs through at least 2027. Storage Systems Market Development The first quarter of 2026 produced several milestones that demand the attention of any organization with active or planned AI infrastructure investments. All Flash Array...