As explained in this post, you can build your home network by using either wired or wireless infrastructure. Ethernet, Power Lines and Phone Lines can be used for wired home networks, whereas the dominant technology for wireless home networks is the WiFi 802.11 standard.Below we give you a quick snapshot and comparison of the different home network technologies available.
Technology |
SPEED | RANGE | COST | Wiring Ease | Peripheral Availability | |
Wired |
Ethernet (Using Copper Cables) |
Up to 1000 Mbps | 100 m 330 ft |
Low | Difficult if nodes are in different rooms | Very popular, Extensive Availability |
PhoneLine (HPNA 3.1) |
Up to 320 Mbps | 300 m 1000 ft |
Moderate | Easy. Uses Existing Phone Lines | Not popular, Limited Availability | |
PowerLine (HomePlug AV) | Up to 200 Mbps Half Duplex | Length of Power Line | Low to Moderate | Easy. Uses Existing Power Lines | Not popular, Moderate Availability | |
FireWire | 400 Mbps | 5 m 15 ft |
Low | Easy. Usually between two PCs | High Availability | |
Wireless |
WiFi 802.11a | 54 Mbps | Radius ~35 m * |
Moderate | No wires | Not popular, Limited Availability |
WiFi 802.11b | 11 Mbps | Radius ~38 m * |
Low | No wires | Very popular, Extensive Availability | |
WiFi 802.11g | 54 Mbps | Radius ~38 m * |
Low to Moderate | No wires | Very popular, Extensive Availability | |
WiFi 802.11n | Over 200 Mbps | Radius ~70 m * |
Moderate to High | No wires | New standard, gaining popularity |
* WiFi Radius Indoor Distance depends on number and types of walls. It is usually much less than the shown value.
Home Network Security
A factor that must never be omitted when building a home LAN network, especially when the network is connected to the internet, is how to protect data and preserve your privacy. “Defense in Depth” is the best security approach to take. This layered security concept refers to implementing an outer perimeter layer of security using a firewall (included in the Home Gateway broadband router for example), and then implement inner layers of security (on your internal home network computers) to protect against viruses, spyware etc.
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