Home network
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A home network is a residential local area network, and is used to connect multiple devices within the homes.
The simplest home networks are used to connect 2 or more PCs for sharing files, printers, and a single connection to the Internet (usually broadband Internet through a cable or DSL provider). A server can be added for increased functionality.
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[edit] Network Devices
A home network may consist of the following components:
- An Ethernet hub/switch - a central networking hub containing a number of Ethernet ports for connecting multiple networked devices
- A broadband modem for connection to the internet (either a DSL modem using the phone line, or cable modem using the cable internet connection).
- A router connected between the broadband modem and the rest of the network - this enables multiple devices to connect to the internet simultaneously. Routers, network hubs, and DSL modems are often combined.
- A PC, or multiple PCs including laptops
- A wireless hub for connecting wireless devices
- Entertainment peripherals - an increasing number of devices can be connected to the home network, including DVRs like TiVo, digital audio players, games machines, and stereo systems
- Internet Phones (VoIP)
Many devices may not have the appropriate connector to the network. USB is often used with an adaptor to connect to Ethernet or wireless networks. It is worth noting, however, that virtually all home computers made within the last five years have Ethernet connectivity as standard.
Network devices may also be configured from a computer - for example, broadband modems are often configured through a web client on a networked PC. As networking technology evolves, more electronic devices and home appliances are becoming Internet ready and accessible through the home network. Set-top boxes from cable TV providers already have USB and Ethernet ports "for future use".
[edit] Network Wiring
Ethernet cables are the standard wiring for networks. However, homes are often more difficult to wire than office environments, and other technologies are being developed which don't require new wires.
Home networking may use
- Ethernet Category 5 cable - for speeds of 10 or 100Mbps (up to 1000Mbps with Gigabit ethernet).
- Wi-Fi Wireless LAN connections - for speeds of 10 or 55Mbps, with substantial speed increases in future devices.
- Coaxial cables (TV antennas) - for speeds of 100Mbps (see Multimedia over Coax Alliance)
- Television - to display content (movies, pictures) from computer (see Home Media Gallery)
- Electrical wiring - for speeds of 14Mbps to 200Mbps (see Power line communication)
- Phone wiring - for speeds of 128Mbps (see Home Phone Network Alliance)
Ethernet and Wireless are the most common standards. As the demand for home networks has increased, the other alliances have formed to produce standards for networking alternatives.
