Wireless Networks Expand in Leaps and Bounds
The uptake of wireless networks has grown exponentially since it was first touted as the "next big thing" in computing. And it's not only businesses that have taken to the technology, according to a poll by YouGov, 59% of UK citizens with broadband have set up wireless networks at home. Of the 59%, 87% used their wireless networks for PCs and laptops, 28% for wireless printing and 20% for gaming online. Statistics from across the Atlantic show that the trend is similar for broadband users in the US. According to ABI Research, more than half of US broadband users have set up some kind of home network. Of those, roughly 25% use their networks to run gaming consoles, while 8% use their broadband for their mobile phones.
ABI Research claims that their research reflects the fact that home networks can no longer be considered as early adapter technology. This theory is supported by Chris Dobrec, director of strategy and business development at Linksys, who says that wireless networking is now a mass marketing technology and can no longer be considered to belong to tech savvy consumers only. He goes on to add that modern consumers are only interested in the practical benefits and convenience provided by wireless technology, such as wireless printing and internet access.
Market savvy manufacturers have taken note of the home wireless trend and have adapted existing products to cater to the increasingly sophisticated needs of their consumers. BT for instance has revealed an improved version of its Home Hub broadband router that now has features that support 802.11n wireless technology. They have also made the Hub smaller and changed the exterior design so that it fits in with modern televisions and home entertainment systems. According to John Petter, managing director of BT Retail Consumer, the new Hub will double the range of existing wireless devices and will also supply a more consistent, reliable and efficient wireless signal.
Meanwhile the International Telecommunication Union's G.hn is expected to be the new generation WiFi standard with "significant potential". According to Michael Wolf, director of ABI Research, G.hn, which has been under development for about 2 years, is intended to create a "unifying standard" for home networks.
Until the new standard for home networks takes hold, however, 802.11n WiFi technology is expected to surpass wired Ethernet to become the dominant enterprise LAN access technology, according to a report by the Burton Group. 802.11n has some significant advantages over previous generations of WiFi technology, especially with regards to output and range.
While the use of wireless networks is growing in homes and businesses, many users are doing so illegally. According to a study by Accenture, 12% of UK and US users "piggyback" on unsecured WiFI networks. Users aged between 18 and 34 constituted the largest percentage of offenders and US users were more likely to piggyback than users in the UK.
Recommended sites:
computing.co.uk/vnunet/news/2217032/802-11n-wifi-surpass-wired
computing.co.uk/vnunet/news/2218699/g-hn-gen-wifi-standard-gains
Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers Star Business Internet internet service provider & website hosting one of the leading Internet service companies specialising in business website hosting in the UK
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