G.hn on Track for 2010 Silicon as United Nations ITU-T Ratifies Final Component of Next-Generation Wired Networking Standard

BEAVERTON, OR--(Marketwire - January 25, 2010) - HomeGrid Forum today announced that the next-generation wired networking standard -- G.hn -- achieved two new milestones at the most recent meeting of the United Nation's International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T) held in Geneva. At the meeting, the Data Link Layer (DLL) achieved Consent joining the Physical Layer and coexistence protocol to essentially complete the standard, enabling manufacturers to rapidly bring production semiconductors to market. In addition, the Smart Grid profile was advanced by the ITU specifically for use in low-complexity applications, including home control and automotive, where G.hn can now be used in plug-in electric vehicles.

"It's exciting to see how rapidly the G.hn standard has evolved to meet the needs of a very dynamic market," said Matthew Theall, president of HomeGrid Forum. "G.hn was originally seen as a multimedia networking technology, and was developed to address that significant market opportunity. Now, thanks to cooperation from throughout the industry, and from ITU and HomeGrid member companies, G.hn is able to address an even broader range of applications and has the potential to enable billions of consumer devices, computers, energy management products, and even automobiles with next-generation connectivity."

The G.hn standard is designed to deliver a unified technology for wired networking that addresses key issues of service providers, electronics manufacturers, utilities, auto makers, and consumers alike. With the Physical Layer, DLL and coexistence protocols essentially complete, G.hn will unify the networking of content and devices over any of wire -- phone line, power line and coax cable. With G.hn, service providers will be able to deploy new offerings, including IPTV, more cost effectively. Consumer electronics manufacturers will be able to provide powerful devices for connecting all types of entertainment, home automation, and security products throughout the house. Smart Grid devices such as electricity meters, heating and air conditioning systems, electrical appliances, and lighting systems will benefit from the reliability, security and low-power consumption provided by the G.hn standard.

G.hn Profile for Smart Grid Applications including Plug-in Electric Vehicles

At the ITU-T Valencia meeting held in November 2009, the G.hn workgroup further refined the definition of a Smart Grid profile targeted at applications including plug-in electric vehicles and home control. This low-complexity profile identifies a minimum set of G.hn parameters and specifications for applications including automobiles and home control. This profile makes it possible for manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low-power consumption, low cost, performance, reliability, and security that is required for the targeted applications. The profile specifies minimum requirements for features including: signal bandwidth, data modulation methods, transmitter linearity requirements, and Forward Error Correction (FEC), while maintaining interoperability with fully-featured G.hn products.

About ITU

ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technology issues, and the global focal point for governments and the private sector in developing networks and services. For more than 140 years, ITU has coordinated shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoted international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, worked to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world, and established the worldwide standards that assure seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems.

ITU also organizes worldwide and regional exhibitions and forums bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the telecommunications industry to exchange ideas, knowledge and technology for the benefit of the global community, and in particular the developing world.

From broadband Internet to latest-generation wireless technologies, from aeronautical and maritime navigation to radio astronomy and satellite-based meteorology, from phone and fax services to TV broadcasting and next-generation networks, ITU is committed to connecting the world.

About HomeGrid Forum

HomeGrid Forum is a global, non-profit trade group promoting the International Telecommunication Union's G.hn standardization efforts for next-generation home networking. HomeGrid Forum promotes adoption of G.hn through technical and marketing efforts, addresses certification and interoperability of G.hn-compliant products, and cooperates with complementary industry alliances. To learn more about becoming a HomeGrid member, please visit www.HomeGridForum.org/join.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Layla McHale McHale Communications for HomeGrid Forum 408.981.6394