What’s interesting, then, is recent data from Parks Associates that showed what a massive opportunity the industry has when it comes to pushing the latest in in-home WiFi technology. While roughly 70 percent of U.S. broadband households have a home network router, according to Parks, only 11 percent are using a whole-home WiFi mesh-networking product. Further, only 22 percent are using any kind of WiFi network extender to improve coverage throughout their home.

“Mesh network systems, also referred to as ‘whole-home Wi-Fi’ by makers and retailers, are designed to maximize Wi-Fi coverage and performance in the home. They can replace the home Wi-Fi routers and network extenders that are commonly provided by broadband providers today,” Kristen Hanich, Senior Analyst at Parks Associates, said in a statement. “With WiFi the dominant method of connection in the home, having a strong signal is necessary for proper function of the multiple connected CE and smart home products consumers are buying. There is still plenty of room to grow for mesh networking products.”

From the article "Bringing WiFi Routers Out of the Shadows" by Rob Stott.