Overview
Home networking is broadly defined as the distribution of information (such as audio, data and video) around the home. It includes interfacing the attached devices and providing services. Home networking includes the distribution of high-speed
broadband access to multiple information appliances in the home.
The different technologies provide the interconnection and interoperation
of home electronic appliances, entertainment devices, PC hardware,
telecommunication devices, management and control of security and
safety devices, lighting and environmental control systems.
While several of these technologies already exist in the home today
forming islands of technology, the last few years has initiated
a revolution in the home to network these islands of appliances
and technologies. Some of the popular technologies have been around
for a long while as well, but are starting to be used in the home
only now. Some of the popular technologies are phonelines-based,
powerlines-based, FireWire-based, Ethernet-based, USB-based and
wireless-based. A whole new set of technologies are also coming
to market. However, we define home networking technologies to be
divided under three main categories: new wires (Ethernet, FireWire/1394,
USB/USB 2.0, fiber optic), no new wires (phonelines-based, powerlines-based),
and wireless (HomeRF, Bluetooth and wireless LANs).
Leading Technology
New
Wires
No
New Wires
Wireless
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