Wouldn't it be cool to be able to listen to all the music on your computer in any room? Wireless multi-room music systems let you access music on your computer and online music services throughout your home — without running wires. They're a great choice if you're renting and unable to install wire, or if you don't want to run new wire through your walls. In this article, we'll help you determine which kind of system is right for your home by asking a few simple questions.

Wireless multi-room systems let you access music from your computer and the Internet. (Sonos® Controller and ZonePlayer 90 pictured)

If your house is pre-wired with multiple runs of Ethernet (CAT-5) and/or speaker cable, you may want to check out wired multi-room systems too — they'll also give you some pretty cool options.

Many systems use players that control music playback through a Wi-Fi network. (Logitech® Squeezebox Duet pictured)

Do you have a home network?

Wireless multi-room systems have a "player" in each room where you want music. This is a device that connects to your Wi-Fi® home network and controls music playback for that one specific room. A few systems, like Sonos, have players that create their own proprietary wireless network. We recommend a broadband Internet connection for any wireless multi-room music system, because it'll give you the reliable, fast connection you need to stream music sources available online. If you're interested in setting up a network in your home, see our article on creating a home network.

What do you want to listen to?

Most systems give you the ability to listen to music from a computer or a storage device that's connected to your home network. There are also a lot of other sources available from the Internet, and they'll vary by manufacturer. Many players offer the ability to stream Internet radio stations — this is a great option because you won't always have to turn on your computer to play music. Other manufacturers also team up with web-based music services to like Pandora®, SIRIUS®, and Rhapsody®. A subscription may be required.

This Linksys by Cisco iPod docking station lets you play your iPod's music in multiple rooms.

Some systems let you play music from audio gear that you already have, like an iPod® or a CD changer. Depending on the system, you may be able to enjoy that source in one room or throughout your entire home. For example, Linksys® by Cisco created an iPod docking station that integrates into their multi-room music system. The dock connects to one of their players and then you can control playback and search albums and songs on their Wi-Fi touchscreen controller.

How many rooms do you want music in?

The number of players you select for your system will depend on number of rooms where you want music. If you're just adding music to one room, you might want a stand-alone player, like a Wi-Fi radio. If you want music throughout your home, you'll want to look for a multi-room system. Also, keep in mind that many of these systems are expandable, so you'll have the flexibility to add more rooms in the future.

What kind of audio gear will you have in each room?

Logitech's Transporter is a stand-alone player but also integrates into a Logitech multi-room system. It features audiophile-grade electronics and connects to an existing audio system or a pair of powered speakers.

The types of players you select will depend on what kind of audio gear you have or plan to put in each room. For example, if you want to add music to your home theater system, then you'll want a player with analog or digital audio outputs. The digital output lets you take advantage of your existing component's digital-to-analog converter and can potentially give you better sound quality.

On the other hand, if you're adding music to a room where you don't already have an audio system, you might want to choose a player with built-in speakers; or you could go with one that has built-in amplification, and add your own speakers.

Some systems offer a multi-room remote control, like this one from Linksys by Cisco.

How will you control the system?

How will you select songs and adjust the volume? Different manufacturers handle control in different ways. Any system will let you control each player individually, so you can turn the volume up or down and play, pause, or skip music. Some systems also offer remotes that you can carry from room to room, so you can control the entire system from that one device.