1. Home Network Infrastructure:
– ISPs provide a single WAN-facing IP address per residential account due to IPv4 address exhaustion.
– Devices within a home or small office connect through a LAN with private network IP addresses.
– Routers configure with the provider’s IP address for shared access in the LAN.
– Gateways establish connectivity to a WAN using cable, DSL, or optical modem.
– Routers enable network layer connectivity between WAN and home network, including network address translation.
– Home network devices like gateways, routers, switches, and wireless access points support communication between end devices.
– Routers perform network address translation for devices in the home network to connect to the WAN.
– Network switches facilitate Ethernet communication among devices in the home network.
– Wireless access points enable wireless device connection to the network.
– Network bridges link different network interfaces, allowing wired-only devices access to wireless networks.
2. Home Network Connectivity:
– Home networks use wired or wireless technologies for connectivity.
– IEEE standards like HomePlug, Wi-Fi (802.11 series), and ITU-T recommendations are commonly used.
– Wireless technology is favored in homes due to easy installation and performance.
– Wired networks often use twisted pair cables like Cat 5 or Cat 6 for connectivity.
– Some neighborhoods support fiber optic cables for higher bandwidth internet services.
3. Wireless Technologies in Home Networks:
– Wireless LAN technologies like 802.11 operate at 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequencies.
– Wi-Fi Alliance certifies compliant products for interoperability.
– Bluetooth is commonly used for wireless accessories in homes.
– Zigbee and Z-Wave standards cater to low-power wireless communication for smart home devices.
– Wireless PAN and low-rate wireless PAN standards provide close-range communication options.
4. Home Network Devices and Services:
– Home networks cater to data-centric devices like computers, media players, and smartphones.
– Many home equipment manufacturers offer smart or connected home products.
– Control interfaces for these products are accessible through proprietary smartphone applications.
– New startups and established manufacturers are expanding their product lines to include smart home devices.
– Entertainment devices like smart speakers, TVs, DVRs, home audio, and gaming consoles rely on home networks.
5. Smart Home Applications:
– Lighting solutions include connected light bulbs like Lifx, Philips Hue, Samsung Smart Bulb, and GE Link.
– Zigbee Light Link protocol is commonly used.
– Major vendors adopt open standards for smart lighting.
– Home security and access control devices include Plume for access control, iSmartAlarm for security alarms, Liftmaster MyQ for garage doors, and GoGogate for gate openers.
– Environmental monitoring and conditioning devices like Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Protect ensure home safety and comfort.
This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2013) |
A home network or home area network (HAN) is a type of computer network that facilitates communication among devices within the close vicinity of a home. Devices capable of participating in this network, for example, smart devices such as network printers and handheld mobile computers, often gain enhanced emergent capabilities through their ability to interact. These additional capabilities can be used to increase the quality of life inside the home in a variety of ways, such as automation of repetitive tasks, increased personal productivity, enhanced home security, and easier access to entertainment.
