Embedded wireless LAN devices to reach one billion in 2011

The number of devices with wireless LAN capabilities will reach one billion this year and over two billion by 2015, according to new figures from IHS iSuppli.

The number of devices with embedded wireless LAN, which is primarily W-Fi in the computing, communications and consumer electronics sphere, will reach 1.2 billion in 2011, a rise of 35.8 per cent from the 880.4 billion units shipped in 2010.

IHS iSuppli forecasts that the number of new products will reach 2.2 billion by 2015.

The most common devices using embedded wireless LAN are mobile phones. An estimated 512.8 million handsets shipped with the technology this year, followed by mobile computers with 230.1 million units.

"In today's world of connected electronics, consumers expect seamless access to internet communications, services and content in any place and at any time," said Dr Jagdish Rebello, senior director and principal analyst for communications and consumer electronics at IHS iSuppli.

"From sharing Facebook news on their iPads, to viewing Hulu programmes on their flat-panel TVs, to streaming audio and video in cars, consumers depend on built-in wireless LAN technology to get the most out of their electronic products. Because of this, embedded wireless LAN is becoming the norm for all kinds of devices."

This year, 19.7 per cent of what the company describes as "suitable devices" had embedded wireless LAN, a rise of just over four per cent on the previous year. This compares to just one per cent in 2002.