Networking hardware generated $9 bln in 2004, will reach $21 bln in 2009

Revenue derived from annual networking hardware shipments and from equipment that incorporates a home networking connection will jump from almost $9 bln in 2004 to over $21 bln in 2009, reports In-Stat. WLAN has now usurped Ethernet as the desired home network of choice, and is now dominated by multi-band 54 Mbps 802.11g. The installed base of home networks worldwide went from about 24 mln in 2003 to 37 mln in 2004, a jump of 13 mln. Home networking equipment continues to drop in price, and increasing functionality such as wireless and VoIP is being integrated. Silicon prices, higher volumes, and competition have all contributed toward aggressive pricing.