G.hn

Will Next-Generation Triple-Wire Home Networking Standard Hit the Digital Home Trifecta?

HomePlug AV, UPA, MoCA, and HomePNA 3.1 have been adopted in a number of deployments around the world. Service providers are seeing the benefits of using these technologies to extend broadband and video services in the home over an IP backbone. There are also service deployment efficiencies – such as lowered cost – that can be achieved by using self-installable modules, such as BT has done in the United Kingdom with UPA-based powerline adapters. However, as service providers begin to think of deploying next-generation architectures in the home for the deployment of higher-speed broadband, digital and HD video, and other interactive services, calls for a next-generation standard for in-home high-speed backbone networking have been growing louder. To this end, many companies are working within the ITU to develop a new triple-wire standard that would allow a single chipset to handle IP-based distribution of content over powerline, coax, and phone lines in the home. This research brief supplies an update of the various no-new-wires standards such as HomePlug AV, UPA MoCA, and HomePNA 3.1, and considers how G.hn might fare as the evolution toward next-generation service provider entertainment networks gathers speed. It also examines the HomeGrid Forum and whether it will be a Wi-Fi Alliance-like body that will propel the new standard in the marketplace.

Executive Summary
Market Update

Section 1.
CURRENT AND NEXT-GENERATION NETWORKS
1.1. Five Networks in the Home
1.2. Powerline Networking Technology Update
1.2.1. Current Generation Standards
1.2.2. Next-Generation Powerline Standards
1.3. Phoneline Technology Update
1.4. Coax Networking Technology Update
1.4.1. MoCA
1.5. G.hn
1.5.1. What Is G.hn?
1.5.2. Benefits of G.hn
1.5.3. When Will G.hn Come to Market?
1.5.4. What Is Home Grid?
1.6. Forecast



Tables
  • Twenty Products Certified Compliant with MoCA 1.0 Specification

Charts
  • Product Mix of Certified Products
  • Total Potential G.hn Shipments (Millions of Nodes)
  • Forecast of Powerline and Coax Networking Nodes Shipped: 2003 to 2010">

Figures
  • The Five In-Home Network Types / Current versus Next-Generation Technology
  • BT Self-Install Using Comtrend/DS2 Powerline Technology
  • Panasonic HD-PLC Powerline Adapter