Home networks are a big part of the home entertainment picture. They let you connect to the Internet and other computers within your home. Plus, more and more audio/video gear can connect to your network to access your music files, stream online video, and more — you can find more info about that in our article on setting up a connected home for more info. Now, let's take a look at the basics of planning and creating a home network.

Visualizing a home network

The big decision: Choosing between a wired or wireless system

When putting together a home network, the first thing you'll want to consider is whether you want to go wired or wireless. Wired networks use Ethernet (CAT-5) cables to connect to networked components in your home, while wireless networks use Wi-Fi®, a wireless communications standard. The type of network that's right for you will depend largely on what you connect to it and how you want to use those devices.

A wireless system might be for you if:

• You want to easily move connected devices from room to room.
• You want the freedom to connect and disconnect additional devices at any time.
• You'd prefer to avoid running Ethernet (CAT-5) cable around your home.
• You want to connect devices that will only work with a wireless system, like a cell phone, MP3 player, or portable gaming system.

A wired system might be for you if:

• You'll primarily leave your computers and other connected gear in one location — you won't often move them from room to room.
• You value the security of your system over the mobility and flexibility of a wireless system.
• Your home already has Ethernet cable run through the walls, or you're willing to run cables through the walls.
• You're looking for the most cost-effective way to install a network in your home.

You may find that aspects of both wired and wireless systems appeal to you. Below, we've broken down specific pros and cons of the two different types of systems.

Connection speed and range
Wireless systems can run at a slightly slower speed than wired networks, depending on the standard of the wireless router and cards you purchase. However, casual Internet users probably won't find the difference interferes with their web browsing and occasional downloads. Your bandwidth will determine how quickly you're able to load webpages and dowload content. If you're concerned about the speed of your connection, you'll want to check out the most recent wireless standard, 802.11n, or consider a wired system. The range of a wireless system can be up to 150 feet, though the range in your specific home will vary — appliances, building materials, and other household items have an effect on the distance wireless signals can travel.

Wired systems run at a maximum speed determined by your ISP, and their range is only limited by the length of Ethernet cable you install. Some ISPs offer faster speed for additional fees — check with your Internet provider to find out if this service is available in your area.

Flexibility and convenience
Wireless networks give you the ability to move devices connected to your home network easily from room to room. This can be especially helpful with laptops. For example, you may want to bring your laptop to the kitchen, so you can look up recipes online as you cook. Another feature of wireless networks is that, unlike wired networks, you aren't limited by the number of ports on your router. With a wired system, you have a finite number of ports on a router. If you use all the ports on a router, you can't connect more components to your network without buying another device. But with a wireless system, you can typically add more devices than with a common wired router. See specific models for details.

The security of your system
Since wired systems are connected through cables, they're relatively difficult to access without physically being in your home and plugging a computer into your router. Wireless systems pose more security risks because they send information and signals through the air. People can detect and attempt to access your network, but you can take steps to secure it.

Most wireless routers come with built-in security features that are fairly simple to use. Changing the name of your network is a good way to start. Typically, the default name will be the router manufacturer's name. Change it to something else — a name that you'll be able to remember, but not something other folks will easily be able to guess. Then, adjust your router's security settings to prevent your network name from popping up when people are searching for available networks (see the owner's manual that came with your router for details). That way, folks will need to actually type in your network name, rather than just select it from a drop-down menu, in order to access your network. And if people can't find your network, there's less chance that they'll be able to connect without your permission. Your next line of defense is encryption. WEP encryption is probably the most common, though WPA and WPA2 are generally more secure. While none of these methods are fool-proof, and there are some pretty crafty hackers out there, they will prohibit your neighbors from logging onto your network with ease.