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