Over the past 2 decades, the connected devices market has revolutionized daily life. With more than 55 billion connected devices forecast by the end of 2024, it’s evident that these technologies touch almost every aspect of our lives—from mobile devices and wearables to smart homes and industrial applications.
A key driver behind this massive growth has been the rapid adoption of short-range wireless connectivity technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, and 802.15.4 (e.g., Zigbee and Thread). Emerging technologies like Ultra-Wideband (UWB) are also gaining traction, unlocking innovative user experiences and use cases.
However, as devices become increasingly complex and new applications surface across industries, there’s a growing need for multi-protocol wireless platforms. These platforms will enable connected device manufacturers and chipset vendors to expand market opportunities and unlock new use cases, while addressing the diverse and evolving requirements of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem.
The Benefits of Multi-Protocol Wireless Connectivity
Today’s sheer diversity of applications and device functionalities means we have entered a new era in which device manufacturers and chipset vendors must now consider how they can support multiple connectivity protocols—everything from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® to 802.15.4 and Ultra-Wideband (UWB).
Multi-protocol wireless platforms, such as Ceva-Waves Links™, provide scalability by integrating various short-range wireless technologies into one cohesive solution. The company offers multi-protocol silicon and software solutions for NXP, Nordic Semiconductor, Espressif, Renesas, Onsemi, Ambiq, Atmosic, Alif, and many others. By partnering with Ceva, these organizations achieve higher performance and seamless communication between devices. This directly correlates with the support of new use cases encompassing edge Artificial Intelligence (AI), audio, voice interaction, and sensor fusion.
Flexible and Power-Efficient Connectivity for Varied Use Cases
Different applications demand different connectivity standards. Some devices need ultra-high throughput, others require years of operation on minimal power, and some need to combine secure communication with radar or sensing capabilities. Multi-protocol wireless platforms enable devices to meet varied power efficiency and throughput demands by incorporating multiple technologies on a single chip or module.
For example, Matter-enabled Thread devices can seamlessly pair with Bluetooth® LE for fast commissioning. As another example, UWB technology can be used in access control and digital key applications, while Bluetooth® is leveraged for initial wake-up to conserve power. Similarly, Wi-Fi devices designed for video streaming may integrate Bluetooth® for audio streaming to deliver a higher quality user experience.
Enhanced Device Communication and Interoperability
Multi-protocol connectivity allows devices to efficiently communicate across multiple environments, making it easier for manufacturers to scale their products. For instance, a combination of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, and 802.15.4 allows for the integration of numerous smart home devices, such as lighting, security systems, and home appliances. At the same time, this multi-protocol approach simplifies installation and reduces the need for standalone hubs.
Smart home ecosystems, like those powered by Matter, benefit significantly from multi-protocol solutions that address interoperability challenges. Connected devices such as smart speakers, home entertainment systems, and appliances are beginning to incorporate multiple connectivity standards, enabling users to control their entire ecosystem from a single device without worrying about compatibility.
Cost and Time Efficiency
Combining multiple protocols on a single chip reduces design complexity, lowers production costs, and shortens time to market for chipset vendors and device manufacturers. These platforms also allow manufacturers to differentiate their products with enhanced features, while maintaining competitive pricing. This is especially beneficial in crowded markets such as smartphones, wearables, and automotive, where advanced connectivity can be a unique selling proposition.
For instance, the latest multi-protocol chips, such as Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7900, integrate Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth®, and UWB, bringing new capabilities like secure ranging to mobile devices. This not only enhances user experiences, but also lowers the barrier to entry for manufacturers looking to adopt emerging technologies.
Opportunities for Multi-Protocol Wireless in Various Verticals
The adoption of multi-protocol wireless platforms is not only about solving today’s challenges, but also unlocking opportunities for future growth. Here's a look at the emerging use cases across key industries.
1. Mobile Devices
Mobile devices, especially smartphones and tablets, have long used combo Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® Integrated Circuits (ICs), but the demand for additional technologies like UWB and 802.15.4 is increasing. These protocols can enable secure ranging for keyless entry, indoor navigation, tap-free mobile payments, and gesture control—use cases that are likely to become mainstream in the coming years. Companies like Broadcom already provide multi-protocol chips that integrate Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, and 802.15.4 , simplifying the adoption of these technologies in mobile devices. On the Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) side of things, Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro can communicate with Thread-enabled smart home devices—the first of its kind within the smartphone market.
2. Smart Home and Entertainment
The smart home market has struggled with interoperability issues for years, but multi-protocol wireless platforms are helping overcome these challenges. Solutions like Samsung’s Hub Everywhere and Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem leverage multi-protocol connectivity to streamline device management, ensure reliability and hardware compatibility, and improve overall performance. This simplifies the development of connected home devices, allowing manufacturers to support multiple technologies—such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE), and Zigbee—on a single platform.
3. Automotive and Access Control
In automotive applications, UWB and Bluetooth® are used together to enable keyless entry and access control with minimal power consumption. Personal trackers, such as Apple’s AirTags and Samsung’s SmartTags, combine these two technologies for enhanced location accuracy without draining battery life. As interoperability standards like Aliro emerge, the automotive sector will further benefit from multi-protocol solutions that deliver secure and efficient access control.
4. Wearables and Audio Devices
Wearables, including smartwatches, are incorporating a wide array of connectivity protocols, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, and UWB. Similarly, in the audio space, Qualcomm’s S7 Pro Gen 1 sound platform combines Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® to enable lossless audio streaming and extended-range experiences. These innovations underscore how multi-protocol platforms are enabling new capabilities in everyday devices.
5. Industrial IoT (IIoT) and Enterprise
For enterprise IoT applications, multi-protocol wireless solutions are critical for enabling everything from wireless sensor networks to asset tracking and real-time location services. Integrating multiple wireless technologies—such as 802.15.4, Bluetooth®, and Wi-Fi—into gateways and access points allows enterprises to build more power-efficient and scalable networks. ABI Research has observed a number of companies already leveraging these kinds of solutions to power next-generation IoT infrastructure.
Multi-Protocol Wireless Is the Key to Future Innovation
As connected devices continue to evolve and require more versatile connectivity options, multi-protocol wireless platforms become increasingly essential. These platforms allow device manufacturers and chipset vendors to scale new applications, reduce power consumption, improve device performance, and unlock innovative use cases that transcend current limitations.
By adopting multi-protocol solutions, manufacturers can expand into new markets, accelerate time to market, and stay ahead of the competition. Whether it's enhancing mobile devices, building smarter homes, or advancing automotive and IIoT systems, multi-protocol connectivity is the bedrock of future device design.
Get our free whitepaper, How Multi-Protocol Wireless Platforms Are Enabling The Next Wave Of Wireless Innovation, to understand the future of multi-protocol wireless solutions and discover new use cases for your industry.
About the Author
Andrew Zignani, Senior Research Director
As Senior Research Director for ABI Research’s Strategic Technologies team, Andrew Zignani conducts research into the rapidly changing wireless connectivity market, with a particular emphasis on market forecasts and qualitative insight covering Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 802.15.4, Near Field Communications (NFC), HaLow, WiGig, and other emerging wireless standards and protocols. Andrew also writes reports on the technological evolution and long-term prospects for wireless connectivity technologies, particularly as they increasingly target new verticals across the Internet of Things (IoT).
