44601 devices with integrated media and WiFi will ship by 2008

The market for Wi-Fi residential gear is undergoing massive change based on new standards, equipment, and services, and it is poised for explosive growth, according to In-Stat/MDR. The researcher forecasts that Wi-Fi media devices will grow at a 104.7% compound annual growth rate to 44,601 total units shipped in 2008.

Residential Wi-Fi vendors have been focusing their product strategies on the "Wi-Fi triple play" - the delivery of bundled voice, video and data services. For the first time, Wi-Fi Mini PCI Cards represented the most Wi-Fi adapters shipped in 2003, displacing the former dominance of Wi-Fi PC Cards. Most of the Wi-Fi multimedia devices will provide support for the 802.11g standard, although a significant volume will provide support for the 802.11a/g standard, given their need for more RF channels and higher quality of service.