Annual sales and shipments of wireless multimedia-capable devices, including home networking gear and PCs are predicted to grow from 2.5 million units in 2006 to 52 million units by the end of 2010.

Parks Associates, which produced the report The Wireless Multimedia LAN: Requirements and Outlook, claims that this growth will be due in large part to standardisation in the market and next-generation Wi-Fi and Ultra-wideband solutions technologies.

"Multiple factors are driving the move by both manufacturers and service providers in embracing wireless connectivity," said Parks Associates principal analyst Kurt Scherf.

"Service providers are looking for greater ownership in developing home networking solutions, operators need to reduce CAPEX costs in deploying home networking equipment, new content services are on the rise, and consumers are invariably in favor of eliminating cables. These are all positive signs that the 802.11n and WiMedia solutions – among the many home networking options – will continue to drive growth in new home networking applications."