Broadcom Tops Recent ABI Research Hybrid Home Networking Competitive Assessment; Qualcomm and MStar Finish Second and Third Respectively

Broadcom led a recent Competitive Assessment of the hybrid home networking markets owing to its delivery of multiple technologies, including MoCA, HomePlug, and Wi-Fi, and its leading role in set-top box markets. ABI Research evaluated wired home networking IC vendors on various factors including: market-share, product portfolio, and activity in the hybrid networking space. These factors were divided between two main axes of Innovation and Implementation. Broadcom’s market-share in 2011 (the last full calendar year available at time of publication) fell below unit market leader Entropic, but its more diverse portfolio pushed it to the top.

Qualcomm Atheros (QCA) and MStar Semiconductor captured the overall second and third positions in the vendor matrix. Broadcom scored highest in both axes while Qualcomm shared second place in the Implementation category with Entropic and the Innovation category with MStar.

Senior analyst Michael Inouye commented, “Broadcom’s and Qualcomm’s proactive work in the hybrid networking space were significant factors in this analysis – with Broadcom’s wider product portfolio giving the company the edge. MStar and Entropic are expected to become more competitive as their products evolve, particularly when each company offers more highly integrated solutions.”

Hybrid networking solutions (wired/wireless), notably wireless range extenders, will continue to gain importance as mobile devices become increasingly integral in consumers’ digital lifestyles. As part of this evolution, integrated solutions will help expand the installed bases of these wired technologies; an essential process for more widespread consumer adoption.

Practice director Sam Rosen added, “Companies with diverse product portfolios offer more highly integrated solutions, and allow manufacturers to develop unified platforms to suit operator’s needs on a regional basis. Both Broadcom and Qualcomm have diversified and integrated portfolios. Other vendors rely on partnerships to offer reference designs for new markets. In the future, G.hn could dramatically alter the landscape of the wired home networking markets, impacting upcoming vendor matrices.”

This is part of ABI Research’s Home Networking Research Service.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com , or call +1.516.624.2500 .