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Mobile broadband networks will power a wide variety of devices that will go well beyond handsets. 3G, WiMAX and LTE will be embedded not just in mobile gadgets but home-based products previously reserved for Wi-Fi. This will create a new opportunity for the vendors of chips and modules, as seen by deals this week for Ericsson and picoChip.

Ericsson's mobile broadband modules division is spreading its wings increasingly beyond dongles and netbooks, and its latest agreement is with consumer wireless major Netgear. The latter has announced the MBRN3300E 3G Wireless Router, which incorporates HSPA, 802.11n and 10/100 Ethernet in one box.

Michael Clegg, general manager of the Netgear service provider business unit, said in a statement: "This collaboration furthers our position with mobile operators, and the resulting mobile platform can be migrated to higher speeds and enabled with added features going forward."

Mats Norin, VP of Ericsson's modules unit, said embedded HSPA in routers would open up new applications in the home and small office, as well as "semi-nomadic user scenarios". The MBRN3300 is particularly targeted at operators in areas lacking wired infrastructure, as an alternative to DSL, cable or fiber, as well as internet access from vehicles and caravans.

Netgear has already been active in incorporating femtocell technology in its range of home-based routers and gateways, and now is followed into this integrated box field by Sagemcom, the French maker of communications devices (formerly part of Sagem). The vendor has chosen a single-box multiservice gateway platform created by femtocell silicon leader picoChip and Ikanos Communications. This combined femto/DSL system will power Sagemcom's new BroadW@ve 4704 gateway for integrating mobile devices into the home network.

Ikanos specializes in broadband semiconductor and software products for the digital home. Its A/VDSL Fusiv communications processor will be combined with picoChip's PC302 picoXcell, a baseband system-on-chip.

"Integrated femtocell-xDSL gateways are the future of cellular and home interconnectivity," said Eric Rieul, director of Sagemcom's energy and telecom business unit.

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