Intel to launch high speed home network products

Intel is to launch a range of high-speed DSL home networking products this spring, the company revealed at the Yankee Group Networked Home Symposium earlier today. The products will be compliant with the Home Phoneline Networking Alliance (HomePNA) specification, which uses existing telephone wiring to connect computers and allow them to share Internet access, printers and files. Intel hasn't yet been specific about the particular products, but says they'll operate at 1Mbps. Intel Home Networking Operation general manager Dan Sweeney said the products would contain "both the hardware and software necessary to deliver a simple, powerful home network". This suggests that Intel intends to extend its embedded server appliance strategy into the home. Funnily enough, the announcement comes just the day after Microsoft and 3Com announced an alliance aimed at this very market, among others (see earlier Story). ®