Once confined to businesses and to the homes of hard-core geeks, networks have become increasingly common. And PCs aren't the only things in households and small offices that require a hookup: These days, printers, Voice-over-IP phones, game consoles, media centers, and other devices need an Internet link. Why not have those all shared a single broadband connection?
A network lets you connect multiple PCs and other devices together so that they can share resources such as printers, files, or an Internet connection. There are three major types of home networks: Ethernet networks that make connections over special (Category 5) wiring; power-line networks that use existing electric wiring and outlets; and wireless (Wi-Fi) networks based on components that send data over the airwaves using radio frequencies.
A wireless home network offers more convenience than a wired one--there's no need to install cables, and notebook users can roam untethered. But wired networks are generally more secure and reliable (especially for multimedia streaming), and those that use existing electrical wiring eliminate the expense and hassle of installing new cables. Depending on your requirements for the location and mobility of networked devices, you might consider combining elements of wired and wireless networks; it's relatively easy if you plan ahead.
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