First, it spread throughout the enterprise. Then, it moved into coffee houses, homes and airplanes. Now, it's even making its way into IP phones.  

 

We’re talking about WiFi, that hot, fast wireless Internet technology that, according to new report for ABI Research (News - Alert), is also slated to become the backbone of consumer devices, from HDTVs and video-game consoles to video receivers.

 

According to ABI Research, WiFi (News - Alert) connections in consumer electronics devices will rise from 113 million in 2008 to more than 285 million by 2012.

 

“While many consumer electronics devices initially adopted Ethernet connections due to cost and potential wireless connectivity issues, WiFi has become the dominant LAN connection type in several device categories,” said ABI’s digital home practice director, Jason Blackwell. “Now we’re seeing WiFi making its way more aggressively into components including digital televisions.”

 

With bandwidth-intensive applications like video streaming becoming more commonplace, WiFi has evolved with higher speed technologies such as 802.11n, according to ABI. And although Ethernet will remain a strong second place technology, over time, powerline, coax and high-speed wireless connections will show growth in adoption, especially among service providers.

 

ABI Research’s study – “Home Networking and Digital Home Network Market Analysis” – analyzes the market potential for core home networking equipment, including home routers, gateways, bridges and more. It also forecasts the growth of entertainment networks and estimates the potential for integrating networking into a number of consumer electronics and service provider platforms.

 

The study also includes a discussion of alternative networking technologies that enable the distribution of data and video content over coax and power lines.