ABI Research (News - Alert), the market research and intelligence firm based in New York, offered its latest evaluations of wired home networking IC vendors, with Broadcom in the lead, followed by Qualcomm (News - Alert) and MStar in second and third place, respectively. ABI Research judged innovation and implementation in companies competitively across a broad spectrum of criteria including: market share, product portfolio and activity in the hybrid networking space.

Employing more than 11,000 people in over 15 countries, Broadcom’s diverse portfolio helped it stay on top, even though its market-shares fell below its competitor, Entropic (News - Alert). Broadcom’s total revenue in 2011 was $7.39 billion.  Broadcom offers a wide palate of computer and telecommunication networking products for high-speed networks, as well as small-offices and homes, including the following categories: Application and multimedia processor solutions (including tablets and Wi-Fi phones), Bluetooth RF silicon and software solutions, broadband products, cable modem and set-top box solutions, graphics system and HD audio/video processors, 2-4G cellular baseband processors and mobile TV receivers, GPS, consumer electronics, satellite products, security and a growing number of products that offer solutions for wired and wireless technologies. 

Broadcom recently shut down its digital TV and Blu-ray chip operations. Broadcom supplies components to high-profile consumer devices including Apple (iPhone (News - Alert) and iPod chips) and Nintendo (Wii Bluetooth controller connectivity and DS chips). 

ABI Research concluded, “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.”

Qualcomm Atheros (QCA) and MStar Semiconductor shared second place in the Implementation category because of their “proactive work in the hybrid networking space.” 

The ABI Research report predicts that many companies will continue to grow and expand their technologies, and by offering diversity they will promote better technology through competition. 

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