The International Telecommunications Union’s Standardization Sector (ITU-T) has agreed on the PHY and architecture portions of the G.hn specification for next-generation home networking, according to the HomeGrid Forum. The forum is a global, non-profit trade group that promotes the ITU-T G.hn standardization efforts.
The G.hn standard is meant to deliver a single unified technology for the wired home network. It will address key issues for service providers, electronics manufacturers, and consumers. The standard will unify the networking of content and devices over any wired/coax cable, phone, and power lines. With G.hn, ITU will enable service providers to deploy new offerings including: more cost effective IPTV, allow consumer electronics manufacturers to provide powerful devices for connecting all types of entertainment, home automation, and security products throughout the house; and greatly simplify consumer purchasing and installation processes.
“We applaud ITU’s success in achieving this major milestone,” said 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.”
The Forum is actively developing compliance and interoperability test programs for the G.hn standard. Their goal is to simplify the development, purchase, installation, and use of HomeGrid Forum-Certified products. In December, the organization hosted a webinar covering the ITU’s consent and its implications for the consumer market. You can review the webinar at www.HomeGridForum.org. Remember to click on News and Events.