Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. said Wednesday it has developed an Internet Protocol Version 6 module that achieves what it describes as the industry's first data communications of 100 megabits per second for networked consumer electronics.
The module, which consists of IPv6-based communication software and encryption processing hardware, meets the requirements for consumer electronics with a smaller memory capacity and less powerful central processing unit, Matsushita said.
The firm will start commercializing networked consumer electronics embedded with the new module in 2004.
IPv6 is a next-generation Internet Protocol affair whose functions are enhanced in comparison with the current IPv4. It is capable of managing a larger number of IP addresses.
The IPv6 module "allows consumer electronics to have networking compatibilities and be seamlessly connected to outside networks such as FTTH (fiber to the home)," Matsushita said.
"The module is expected to help speed up and expand the establishment of ubiquitous networking environments inside and outside the home to make secure and easy-to-use home networking available to anyone."