December 15, 2008 -- HomeGrid Forum, the global, non-profit trade group for promoting the International Telecommunication Union's Standardization Sector (ITU-T) G.hn standardization efforts for next-generation home networking, announced that ITU-T has successfully consented the PHY and architecture portions of the ITU-T G.hn specification at its Geneva meeting held at the United Nations, December 1-12.
According to HomeGrid Forum, the consent demonstrates significant momentum for G.hn and helps establish one global networking standard for the expanding digital home market.
"We applaud ITU's success in achieving this major milestone," comments Matthew Theall, president of HomeGrid Forum. "This achievement allows chipset providers to begin design of silicon which will be used to create new products that will form the foundation for next-generation whole-home networking. HomeGrid Forum continues to be committed to driving the rapid and broad adoption of G.hn technology in the consumer electronics, PC, and service provider markets."
According to HomeGrid Forum, the G.hn standard aims to deliver a single unified technology for the wired home network that addresses key issues for service providers, electronics manufacturers, and consumers alike. Through one worldwide standard, G.hn will unify the networking of content and devices over any wire -- coax cable, phone, and power lines. With it, ITU enables service providers to deploy new offerings including IPTV more cost effectively; allows consumer electronics manufacturers to provide powerful devices for connecting all types of entertainment, home automation, and security products throughout the house; and simplifies consumer purchasing and installation processes.
"There's a clear market need for a unified networking approach," says Malcolm Johnson, director of ITU's Telecommunication Standardization Bureau. "We appreciate the efforts of the HomeGrid Forum in bringing about commercial products that effectively deliver on the promise of G.hn, and look forward to continued cooperation between our two organizations to help streamline the provision of advanced, multimedia services in homes throughout the world."
The ITU is a global standards body that is under the auspices of the United Nations. Comprising more than 185 member countries, the ITU sets standards for global networks.
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