Consumers continue to find utility in installing a home network to support their growing broadband data and video network needs. By 2018, worldwide penetration of home networks is forecast to rise from 24.8 percent in 2013 to 33.2 percent, according to ABI Research.
However, growth will vary by market. In the mature markets, consumers are adopting broadband routers with integrated Wi-Fi access points and leveraging wireline broadband connections to offload expensive mobile data packages, while emerging markets have been slower to use such solutions. In some cases, this is driven by two factors: low service ARPU and limited fixed broadband infrastructure, according to ABI.
In terms of technology, Wi-Fi continues to be the dominant home networking technology, but ABI said that wired networking technologies continue to be a factor as service providers roll out more whole home DVR services. And while the integration of "no new wires" networking technologies like HomePlug and nVoy into consumer electronic devices has been limited, it is a "necessary step to see wider adoption beyond the service provider network."
"MoCA remains the most integrated wired networking technology, albeit still confined to the service provider market. In this regard HomePlug has had more of an impact in the retail market, notably with highly integrated hybrid products such as wireless range extenders," said Sam Rosen, ABI Research practice director. "While standards based hybrid solutions like nVoy are still relatively new, this market could grow significantly, particularly if companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Sony, and Apple continue to invest in original programming and launch premium video services."