Global enthusiasm for home networking soars

The worldwide installed base of home networks will jump by over a fifth between 2005 and 2010, market watchers have predicted, driven by users in Asia and China.

Research firm In-Stat said that the increase in demand for networking non-PC consumer electronics devices will also help to fuel the growth of worldwide home networks and network-capable devices.

More home network users are beginning to use, or are considering, networks for uses other than sharing internet access, according to the high-tech market research firm.

"The average number of PCs in a household is on the rise, and currently stands at approximately 2.4 networked PCs per average US household with a home network," said In-Stat analyst Joyce Putscher.

"By 2010, we expect that average to climb to about 2.6 per household. The more PCs in a household, the greater the likelihood that the household will have, or install, a home network."

The In-Stat report predicts that the use of wireless Lans in the home is fast becoming the medium of choice, but does not overshadow Ethernet in all countries. Most wireless Lan home networks are also expected to include wired connections.