A small network deployed in a home is typically called a home network or home area network (HAN). A home network allows devices within the home, such as computers, printers, media devices, smartphones, tablets, smart appliances, and smart home devices to connect to each other and share Internet access.
Home networks have become increasingly common in recent years as more homes have multiple devices that benefit from sharing a connection. Several key developments have driven the growth of home networking:
- The proliferation of broadband Internet access, which provides faster speeds and always-on connectivity versus dial-up access.
- The dropping prices and growing capabilities of networking equipment like wireless routers.
- The expansion of WiFi technology and devices with built-in WiFi capabilities.
- The increase in households with multiple Internet-connected devices like computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, game consoles, and streaming media devices.
- The emergence of Internet of Things (IoT) devices like smart thermostats, lights, appliances, security cameras, and more.
- The demand for connectivity and interoperability between devices within the smart home.
Having a home network provides benefits like:
- Allowing multiple users and devices to share one Internet connection.
- Enabling devices like printers and media servers to be accessed by other devices on the network.
- Supporting applications and features that require connectivity between devices like streaming media, multiplayer gaming, and file sharing.
- Providing remote access so users can control devices and access files when away from home.
- Allowing smart home and IoT devices to communicate with each other and be controlled remotely.
- Segmenting or isolating devices into separate subnetworks for security purposes.
The core components of a home network include:
- Router – Connects the network to the Internet and often includes built-in network switch and WiFi access point capabilities.
- Switch – Provides connectivity between wired network devices.
- WiFi access point – Provides wireless connectivity to devices.
- Network cable – Connects wired devices to the network.
- Client devices – The computers, smartphones, tablets, printers, smart devices, and other endpoints connected to the network.
Setting up and managing a home network does require some technical understanding but can usually be handled by tech-savvy homeowners. More advanced functions like segregating IoT devices or configuring a guest network require deeper networking knowledge.
Types of Home Networks
There are several ways home networks can be set up, with the right solution depending on the house size, budget, and needs of the users. The main types of home networks are:
Wired Home Network
A wired home network uses Ethernet cable to connect devices to a router, switch, or Ethernet jacks distributed throughout the home. Wired networks provide the fastest and most reliable connectivity but require installing network cabling. This works best for new constructions or extensively renovated homes where cabling can be built into the walls. Retrofitting cable is possible but more complex in existing homes.
Wireless Home Network
A wireless home network uses WiFi standards like 802.11ac or 802.11ax to connect devices. Setting up a wireless network is much easier without having to run cables, though performance is not as fast or reliable compared to wired networks. Nearly all homes today setup wireless networks as almost every modern device has WiFi built-in.
Powerline Home Network
A powerline home network uses the existing electrical wiring in a home to carry the network signal. It connects over electrical outlets using adapters that must be plugged into wall sockets. Performance is usually better than WiFi but not as fast as wired networks. Powerline works where wireless struggles but does not require new cabling.
Mesh Home Network
A mesh home network uses a main router along with a series of satellite devices to blanket the home with WiFi coverage. Mesh systems aim to eliminate dead zones by forming a distributed network of multiple access points. Mesh networks are easy to setup but more expensive than a single WiFi router.
Hybrid Home Network
Many homes employ a hybrid approach combining wired, wireless, powerline, and/or mesh technologies as needed. For example, critical stationary devices like desktop PCs, printers and media centers may use wired connections. Portable devices use WiFi while a powerline backhaul connects the access points. And mesh extenders fill any remaining coverage gaps.
Wired Home Networking Technologies
Wired networks require running cables between devices and network equipment. The following wired technologies are used for home networking:
Ethernet
Ethernet is the primary standard for wired home networking. Ethernet uses Category 5e (Cat 5e) or Category 6 (Cat 6) twisted pair cabling providing 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) speeds for contemporary home networks. Faster multi-gigabit speeds up to 10Gbps are possible over Category 6a (Cat 6a) cable.
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable uses copper coaxial cable like RG-6/U quad-shield. It previously served as the backbone for early home networking technologies like HomePNA but has largely been supplanted by Ethernet. However, coax remains relevant as it is still used for cable Internet and TV connections.
Phone Lines
Phone lines have also been used for early home networking systems. Technologies like HomePNA and HPNA allowed encoding network signals over home phone cabling. However, phone lines are rarely used today with the shift to broadband Internet and faster Ethernet solutions.
Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA)
MoCA allows using existing coaxial cable TV lines for multimedia and general networking applications at speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. With built-in QoS, it is marketed primarily as a way to extend and enhance WiFi signals rather than a core wired backhaul.
Wireless Home Networking Technologies
Wireless networks provide connectivity using radio signal transmission between devices. Key technologies and standards include:
WiFi
WiFi refers broadly to any type of 802.11 wireless network. Modern homes typically use the fast speeds of 802.11ac WiFi which can deliver theoretical maximum speeds up to 6.9 Gbps on the 5 GHz band. Even faster WiFi 6 (802.11ax) is also starting to emerge with speeds up to 9.6 Gbps and better efficiency.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless standard used for connecting peripherals, speakers, and home automation devices. Version 5.0 supports speeds up to 2 Mbps while extended Long Range options offer better coverage at lower speeds.
Zigbee
Zigbee is a low-power, low-bandwidth protocol designed for IoT devices like lights, locks, sensors and appliances. It operates on various unlicensed bands with data rates up to 250 Kbps. The mesh network architecture provides a resilient link between devices.
Z-Wave
Z-Wave is another wireless standard designed specifically for home automation, control, and monitoring. It operates at 908.4 or 868.4 MHz depending on region. Raw data rates are up to 100 Kbps but go as low as 9.6/40 Kbps for extended range.
Powerline Networking Technologies
As an alternative to wireless networking, powerline networks use a building’s existing electrical wiring to carry data. This avoids the hassle and expense of laying new cabling. Major powerline standards include:
HomePlug AV2
The widely adopted HomePlug AV2 standard provides theoretical speeds up to 1.5 Gbps with actual throughput around 500 Mbps. It uses MIMO and OFDM modulation to send signals over frequencies between 2 MHz and 86 MHz.
G.hn
G.hn is an ITU standard that can deliver speeds up to 1 Gbps over home power lines. It incorporates techniques like vectoring and twisted pair bonding to improve performance. G.hn also supports coaxial cable, phone line, and plastic optical fiber connections.
HomePlug Green PHY
HomePlug Green PHY is a more recent specification optimized for smart grid and IoT applications. It offers improved noise resistance and range over powerline channels while reducing power consumption.
Choosing a Home Networking Technology
When selecting which home networking technologies to deploy, key factors to consider include:
- Speed and performance – Faster wired and WiFi standards support demanding applications like 4K video streaming but often cost more.
- House construction – Newer homes with structured wiring support wired networks better. Older homes benefit more from wireless or powerline.
- Coverage area – Larger homes need extended coverage from technologies like mesh WiFi or MoCA.
- Cost – Wired, MoCA, and mesh options provide performance but at a higher price over basic WiFi.
- Expandability – Standards like Ethernet make it easier to connect more devices in the future.
- Device connections – The right mix of wired ports and wireless standards should match the needed device types.
- Ease of installation – Wireless and powerline networks usually require less expertise versus installing wired networks.
Ultimately, the “best” solution depends on finding the right balance of these factors for a particular home environment and budget. Many homes combine multiple technologies like running Ethernet cable to stationary devices while using a mesh system for portable devices.
Setting Up a Home Network
Typical steps to set up a home network include:
- Select home networking devices – Choose routers, switches, WiFi access points, powerline adapters, and other equipment needed for wired and wireless connectivity.
- Establish the wired backbone – Connect primary devices together via Ethernet cable, coaxial cable, powerline adapters, or other means to create a high-speed wired backbone.
- Configure the wireless network – Set SSID, encryption, and password on access points. Select optimal settings and channels to minimize interference.
- Connect devices – Plug in and connect wired devices via Ethernet ports or cabling. Connect wireless clients to WiFi network.
- Configure network and interfaces – Assign IP addresses, enable services like DHCP and NAT, configure firewall and ports.
- Test connectivity – Verify Internet and network access across different devices, locations, and connections.
- Manage network – Configure guest access, parental controls, QoS, and other settings as desired.
Homeowners have several options to set up the home network themselves or work with a professional installer or managed service provider. Retail-grade network equipment is plug-and-play for basic setups while enterprise-grade gear offers more capabilities for advanced users.
Home Network Security
Securing home networks has become increasingly important as more sensitive data, IoT devices, and smart home systems are connected. Key security steps include:
- Changing default router admin passwords and WiFi passwords from factory defaults.
- Enabling WPA3 or WPA2 encryption on the wireless network.
- Using a firewall on the router and computers.
- Enabling MAC address filtering to limit device access.
- Monitoring connected devices and being aware of what is on the network.
- Isolating IoT devices into a separate network segment.
- Applying latest firmware and security updates.
- Using VPNs when accessing home systems remotely.
- Employing multilayered defenses with network security and endpoint protection.
Taking basic steps to secure the network, manage passwords, and build in redundancies helps guard against threats for a safer smart home.
Connecting Smart Home Devices
Connecting smart home devices like lights, thermostats, cameras and appliances is a key driver of increased home networking. This allows users to monitor, access, and control devices from anywhere while enabling automations and communications between devices. Connecting IoT devices to home networks carries security risks if not done properly. Isolating devices into a separate network segment provides an additional layer of protection. Newer WiFi standards like WPA3 also provide better encryption and authentication for IoT devices.
Integrating Home Networking and Smart Home Platforms
Many smart home platforms integrate home networking equipment like routers, WiFi systems and powerline adapters into their broader ecosystem. For example, Google Wifi mesh routers can be managed through the Google Home app alongside other connected home devices. Amazon’s Eero mesh routers fully integrate with Alexa features and smart home controls. Lutron, Savant and Crestron home automation systems work with select networking gear to improve performance and coverage.
This integration enables features like:
- Seamless control of home networks through a central dashboard.
- Automatically applying parental controls and filters as new devices join the network.
- Location-based WiFi management that adjusts based on occupant movements.
- Network mapping to visualize connected devices across wired and wireless.
Integrated solutions make it simpler to install, monitor, manage and get full value from home networks alongside connected devices and IoT systems.
The Future of Home Networking
Home networking will continue advancing to keep pace with emerging data-heavy applications, connected devices, and smart home technologies including:
- WiFi 6E – Using the new 6 GHz band will reduce congestion and support more devices.
- Multi-Gig LANs – Faster Ethernet standards beyond 1 Gbps will replace bottlenecked links.
- Easy Mesh – Enabling mesh-like features on any router will enhance flexibility.
- Improved Powerline – Next-gen powerline standards boost throughput and reliability.
- 5G and Fiber – Emerging wired and wireless WAN options provide more speed.
- AI-Driven Management – Analytics and automation will optimize home networks.
More cognitively-enabled network equipment will dynamically optimize WiFi channels, steer devices, locate interference and identify security threats. Meanwhile, home network infrastructure will adopt cutting-edge connectivity with broader coverage, lower latency, increased capacity, and built-in intelligence to deliver seamless service.
Conclusion
Home networks have evolved from a luxury to an essential utility within modern smart homes. The mix of wired and wireless technologies in most homes provides the speed, coverage and connectivity needed for today’s Internet activities, streaming media demands, smart devices and more. With increasing dependence on home networks, efforts to optimize and secure these networks helps ensure seamless access to critical services and data for household members and devices.