Year In Review: Wi-Fi Reaching New Heights

One of the few bright spots this year was the growth of Wi-Fi. But even as the wireless-networking technology drew praise for its potential, it became clear that it still had a lot left to prove.

The year started off with the christening of Wi-Fi as the only standard for the wireless networking market, as rival HomeRF had the final nail hammered into its coffin with the disbanding of the HomeRF Working Group. Gear makers jumped into action, increasing the number and types of handheld computers, consumer electronics gadgets and other products with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities on the market.

The wireless-networking industry was carried by sales to consumers, who were lured to Wi-Fi gear by the higher throughput rates promised by products with 802.11g technology. In the coming year, equipment combining all current Wi-Fi standards--802.11b/g/a--is expected to lift the market.