Home networking sounds like a simple concept but, just like choices in home entertainment or appliances, there are many different options. Which one is right for you depends on your needs, location and, of course, budget. To help you better understand what's available, here's a listing and brief description of some of the most popular options
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This is currently the most common form of home networking, is reasonably priced and offers very fast transmission. It is most commonly found in 10Mb or 100Mb speed and requires an adapter card (also known as a Ethernet card) for each PC or similar device you want to connect. Its open architecture lets you mix hardware from different companies, so you are not locked into one vendor's product line alone. And it is easy to expand. Category 5 cable is recommended for fast transmission rates and you are required to have a central hub or switch. You may want to pass wire through walls (similar to phone lines), an undertaking that can be both expensive and time consuming.

Click here to learn more about Broadband Gateways & Modems that interface with Ethernet home Networks.

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Home phone lines (known as HPNA or Home Phoneline Network Alliance) are ideal if you don't want to go through the hassle of rewiring your house for networking purposes. Transmission speeds are slower than Ethernet, especially if the existing phone lines are old or poorly installed, but the cost is similar. Within HomePNA 2.0 transmission speeds up to 32Mbit are now possible when COAXIAL RG-6 cable is used. An adapter card for each PC or similar device you want to connect is required. Installation is relatively painless as is operation, and there's no need for additional cables to be installed. But each PC must be near a phone jack or a cable TV outlet to access the network.
HomePNA Technology is designed to connect computers and other peripherals within a total end to end distance of no more than 1000 feet, and total network coverage area cannot surpass 10,000 square feet. This technology can connect up to 25 devices, PC's, printers, etc.

Click here to learn more about HomePNA Technology.

Click here for HomePNA over coax adapters.

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A wireless local area network (LAN) for your home means PCs and other devices need never be situated near a phone jack or Ethernet port to be connected, giving you tremendous flexibility. In fact, there is even limited roaming possible outside. Using a wireless access point that is connected by Ethernet to the Internet, you receive wireless frequency through wireless PC cards on your respective PC's. Examples of wireless LAN products include 802.11 and Home RF. Advertised speeds are now reaching those of Ethernet and HPNA, although transmission speeds are reduced as distance increases. Today wireless LANs are more expensive than phone line or Ethernet options.