A home network allows family members to watch their favourite movies on a HD TV screen by accessing the content on the network-attached storage or through a networked TV media player.

Wireless, structured network cabling, coaxial or powerline networking – these are some of the options available to homeowners who are looking to install a home network to share the high-speed fibre connection from the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN) among multiple users and devices in the home.

A home network connects different digital devices such as the computer, printer, storage and media server so that multiple users can take advantage of broadband and other services at the same time, with just one Internet subscription.

A new Home Networking Guide produced by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore helps homeowners to navigate through various home networking options by offering a summary and comparison of the commonly used options. The guide also provides recommendations and installation tips.

According to the guide, wireless home networking, which transmits data over the air, is appropriate if the home has Wi-Fi enabled devices and users wish to enjoy greater mobility without being tied to physical wires. Structured network cabling, on the other hand, is appropriate for services which require highly-reliable connections such as IPTV, video streaming and real-time Internet gaming.

In addition, both coaxial and powerline network adapters are available for those who wish to make use of the existing coaxial TV cables or electrical cables to build a home network.

The guide also introduces homeowners to the devices needed for Next Gen NBN connectivity, such as the Termination Point where the incoming optical fibre “lands” in the home, the Optical Network Terminal and Residential Gateway. Homeowners are also given tips on how to prepare their homes for Next Gen NBN, such as the suggested locations for the Termination Point and the key considerations in planning for the home network.

An e-copy of the Home Networking Guide can be downloaded from IDA's website www.ida.gov.sg .