The growth in consumer Wi-Fi-connected devices, a new wireless standard and enterprise-level applications have spurred the worldwide growth of Wi-Fi IC shipments.

According to ABI Research, Wi-Fi IC shipments are forecast to surpass 770 million units in 2010, up almost 33 percent compared with last year. Shipment of 802.11n ICs will surge ahead of 802.11g and dominate the market this year, accounting for approximately 60 percent of total Wi-Fi IC shipments.

“The 802.11n standard, which was ratified last year, is a powerful growth engine to drive the Wi-Fi IC market increases,” said ABI Research wireless and semiconductor industry analyst Celia Bo.

According to ABI’s most recent research, the cellular handset segment is seen to be maintaining the highest unit shipment of Wi-Fi-enabled products over the next five years, achieving an estimated CAGR of 25 percent between 2009 and 2015; the penetration rate will reach approximately 40 percent of total handsets shipped in 2015.

Over the coming years, laptops, netbooks and MIDs are other segments that will see higher shipments across all Wi-Fi-enabled products.

“The penetration rate of Wi-Fi ICs in consumer electronics products will to grow continue robustly,” Bo said. “Total shipments of consumer electronics products with Wi-Fi functionality are expected to exceed 530 million in 2015, with a 26 percent CAGR between 2009 and 2015. Shipments of Wi-Fi-enabled digital still cameras, TVs and DVD players will increase more than tenfold in 2015 as compared to 2009.

“The demand for Wi-Fi-enabled home entertainment products, such as networked game consoles and handheld game consoles, is increasing, as well: Between 2009 and 2015, the CAGR will reach 8 percent and 6 percent respectively.”