In-home networks using coax/phone wire growing

By 2013, the average household anywhere in the world will have 2.5x as many digital media devices (computing, gaming, stationary digital consumer electronics, portable and mobile wireless devices) in use as in 2008, according to a new In-Stat report.

This adoption will be accompanied by a rise in the number of devices that are network-enabled, leveraging various types of wire and wireless technologies, including like coax, phone wiring, power line, Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Networking over wiring that already exists in homes is becoming increasingly important. This is particularly the case among service provider entertainment networks that connect set-top boxes together and to residential gateways.

Over the next few years, service providers will drive the growth of in-home networks. Entertainment networks tie set-top boxes together, enabling additional services, such as whole-home DVR. Providers will encourage more PC home networks by replacing modem-only households with residential gateways.

The research found two segregated home networks (HN) have been evolving – a service provider-centric network and a PC-centric network. Each is leveraging different business models and technologies. While consumers want to be able to move content and services between the two types of networks, both technical and business model barriers will continue to stand in their way.

Average PC home network throughput will rise by more than 70% from 2008 to 2013, which will be necessary as nearly two-thirds of consumer respondents from In-Stat’s survey expressed an interest in watching Internet video on their TV.

In-Stat “Global & North American Service Provider In-Home Networks Or Coax & Phone Wiring”