Home Networking Buyers Guide

Home Networking Devices

Home networking is an umbrella term that refers to devices connected to wired and wireless networks within a home environment. This most commonly includes desktop PCs, laptops, mobile phones, storage, TVs, media streamers and games consoles.

This guide will walk you through what is needed to create a home network, the ways of connecting devices, and the considerations that make a home network efficient and secure. For more information on connected cameras, lighting, heating and alarm systems, read our dedicated Smart Home Buyers Guide.

Smart home devices connected to a home network

What is a Home Network?

At the heart of every home network is the router. This is the device that connects everything within the home, wired or wirelessly, to the outside world and in most cases the Internet.

Whenever you subscribe to an Internet Service Provider (ISP), they will provide a router that typically features a wireless access point for Wi-Fi enabled devices and several Ethernet ports for wired devices. Although ISP-provided routers have improved in recent years, upgrading can deliver faster Ethernet port speeds, better wireless coverage and additional features.

In today's connected home there is a vast range of network-enabled devices. Smartphones are designed to be mobile and are therefore wireless. Other devices, such as lighting or heating control hubs, often require a wired connection to the router. Some devices, including smart TVs, offer both wired and wireless options for convenience.

Diagram of a home network connecting devices through a router

Wired vs Wireless

In essence, both wired Ethernet and wireless Wi-Fi connections do the same job. However, there are several factors to consider when choosing which connection type to use for each device.

Ethernet

Ethernet is the common wired networking protocol in a home environment. It has been around since the 1970s and network speed is measured in bits per second, commonly shown as Mb/s for megabits per second and Gb/s for gigabits per second.

Ethernet generations by IEEE standard, maximum data rate and maximum range
Generation	IEEE Standard	Maximum Data Rate	Maximum Range
Ethernet	10BASE-T (802.3i)	10Mb/s	100m
Fast Ethernet	100BASE-TX/FX (802.3u)	100Mb/s	100m
Gigabit Ethernet	1000BASE-T (802.3ab)	1000Mb/s or 1Gb/s	100m
Multi-gigabit Ethernet	2.5GBASE-T (802.3bz)	2.5Gb/s	100m
Multi-gigabit Ethernet	10GBASE-T (802.3an)	10Gb/s	100m

Many older ISP routers use the 100Mb/s standard, although newer models may feature Gigabit Ethernet ports. Almost all after-market routers now feature Gigabit Ethernet ports, reflecting the increase in Internet-enabled devices and the larger files and images being transferred across home networks.

Wi-Fi

Wireless networking, or Wi-Fi, transfers data over radio waves rather than a cable. Early wireless speeds were lower than basic wired connections, but later versions now equal or exceed many common home network scenarios.

Wi-Fi generations by IEEE standard, frequency bandwidth, maximum data rate and range
Generation	IEEE Standard	Frequency Bandwidths	Maximum Data Rate	Maximum Range
Wi-Fi 2	802.11b	2.4GHz	11Mb/s	150m
Wi-Fi 1	802.11a	5GHz	54Mb/s	120m
Wi-Fi 3	802.11g	2.4GHz	54Mb/s	150m
Wi-Fi 4	802.11n	2.4, 5GHz	300Mb/s, 600Mb/s	150m
Wi-Fi 5	802.11ac	5GHz	1.2Gb/s	300m
Wi-Fi 6 / 6E	802.11ax	2.4, 5GHz, 6GHz	10Gb/s	300m
Wi-Fi 7	802.11be	2.4, 5GHz, 6GHz	15Gb/s	600m

Most new ISP routers are likely to use Wi-Fi 6, while newer models may feature Wi-Fi 7. Many routers also offer multiple frequency options, commonly 2.4GHz and 5GHz, with newer hardware also supporting 6GHz.

Which Connection Should You Use?

Wireless connections can look like the obvious choice because of convenience, higher quoted speeds and reduced cable clutter. The full picture is more nuanced. Wireless networks use radio waves, so they are more prone to interference and require strong security. Quoted wireless data rates are theoretical maximums affected by bandwidth, frequency, building construction, antenna power and the number of connected wireless devices.

In contrast, wired Ethernet uses a physical cable, is not prone to radio interference and is inherently more secure. In practice, wired and wireless should be seen as complementary technologies that suit different device types.

Recommended wired or wireless connection by type of home device
Type of Device	Recommended Connection	Reasons
Desktop PC	Wired	More reliable connection especially if used for work
Laptop PC	Wireless	Ability to connect anywhere in home
Smartphone	Wireless	Ability to connect anywhere in home / garden
TV	Wired	More reliable connection especially if streaming 4K services
Games Console	Wired	More reliable connection especially if playing online games
Heating / Lighting Hub	Wired	Wired connection often required to router so hub can then create its own wireless mesh to connect to bulbs / thermostats
CCTV Cameras	Wired / Wireless	Wired connections more reliable for HD video / Wireless offers more flexibility of camera location
Alarm Systems	Wired	Wired connection often required to router so alarm control box can then create its own wireless mesh to connect to window / door sensors
Door Entry Systems	Wireless	Convenience of location and connection to wireless smart phone
Smart Assistants	Wireless	Convenience of location and not very data intense
Smart Appliances	Wireless	Convenience of location and not very data intense

Wireless routers often feature multi-band options to relieve congestion, and network switches feature quality-of-service controls to help prioritise different types of network traffic - more on these technologies on the router and switch tabs below.

Home Network Infrastructure

The tabs below explore the components needed to build a home network.

Routers

The router enables both wired and wireless connections between devices in the home and to the outside world. It has two distinct elements: a wireless access point that allows devices to connect wirelessly, and an Ethernet switch that allows wired devices to connect via cables.

The wireless access point is enabled by external antennas, commonly two, three or four, although some routers may use as many as eight to transmit the wireless signal around the home.

Most routers provide multiple LAN ports for local devices and a WAN port for connecting to the ISP modem or broadband line. Entry-level routers may use 100Mb/s LAN ports, while mid-range and high-end routers can provide 1Gb/s, 2.5Gb/s or faster ports. A USB port may also be present, allowing shared access to a USB storage drive.

Wireless Frequencies

Many routers offer dual or triple bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz. The 2.4GHz band provides coverage at longer range but transmits data at slower speeds, while the 5GHz and 6GHz bands provide less coverage but faster data transfer.

Wireless performance can also be affected by interference. Many devices use 2.4GHz, including microwaves and garage door openers. The 5GHz and 6GHz bands tend to suffer less overcrowding because fewer devices use them and they provide more channels.

It is worth mentioning that many router manufacturers quote wireless speed figures by adding separate frequency bands together. As these operate on completely separate frequencies, the combined claimed speed can never be achieved by a single connection, so it is best to check specifications for individual frequency throughput figures.

Chart showing Wi-Fi frequency band characteristics

Traffic Management

The router manages traffic between connected wired and wireless devices and the outside world. Many routers include Quality of Service (QoS) and Virtual LAN (VLAN) capabilities for devices connected to Ethernet ports.

QoS deals with traffic prioritisation and ensures high-priority traffic gets preferential treatment, reducing jitter, latency and packet loss. It is best used for real-time applications such as gaming and, audio and video conferencing. In contrast, VLANs use logical segmentation to divide one physical network into multiple logical networks to improve security, manageability, and reduce broadcast traffic. This is best for isolating device types, such as separating work PCs from gaming PCs or consoles.

Wireless Security

Wired Ethernet connections in the home are inherently secure as long as router passwords have been changed from defaults, but wireless connections must be secured with encryption on both the router and connected device.

Wireless security standards by encryption and security level
Security Standard	Encryption	Level of Security	Comments
WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3)	192-bit AES-GCM	Highest	Most Recommended
WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2)	128-bit AES-CCMP	High	Highly Recommended
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)	128-bit TKIP	Medium	Not Recommended
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)	64-bit RC4	Low	Do not Use

Devices and routers of different ages may feature security levels that do not match, so features such as WPA2/WPA3 Mixed Mode allow them to connect as securely as possible. Always check device security specifications to ensure you get the best encrypted connections available to your router.

Extending Wireless Range

Although the latest routers can have large wireless coverage ranges, most homes can still suffer from dead spots caused by thick walls, distance, or the need to cover an outbuilding. This can be addressed with a wireless mesh system, an additional access point, a wireless extender or a HomePlug adapter, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Wireless range extension options by connection method, comments and cost
Type	Connection to Router	Comments	Cost
Mesh Access Point	Via a LAN port	Additional access point(s) act to create a wireless mesh creating blanket coverage over a wide area	High
Access Point	Via a LAN port	Second access point provides wireless signal to area distant from the router	Medium
Extender	Via Wireless	Extends wireless signal range but at half the speed of original	Low
HomePlug Adapter	Via a LAN port	Uses home's electrical cabling to transmit signal to area distant from the router - see HomePlug tab	Low

Shop Routers Shop Mesh Systems Shop Access Points & Extenders

Network Switches

A network switch connects to your router to provide extra Ethernet ports. Most home switches feature five, eight or sixteen LAN ports, any of which can be connected to one of the router's LAN ports. Entry-level switches may be 100Mb/s, but most are now 1Gb/s to reflect the growing use of larger images and video files.

If you connect a gigabit switch to a 100Mb/s router LAN port, all the switch ports will step down to the lower speed. To see higher speeds across the board, the router needs to support them too.

Home network switch connected to multiple devices

Power over Ethernet

Power over Ethernet (PoE) provides power as well as data through an Ethernet cable. This is useful for devices such as security cameras where mains power may not be easily available. A typical home PoE switch will often have some PoE-enabled ports and some standard ports, providing flexibility while keeping costs down.

	PoE	PoE+	PoE++	PoE++
IEEE Standard	802.3af	802.3at	802.3bt	802.3bt
Type	Type 1	Type 2	Type 3	Type 4
Maximum Power per Port	15.4W	30W	60W	100W
Maximum Power to Device	12.95W	25.5W	51W	71W
Typical Devices	Static Cameras, IP Phones, WAPs	PTZ Cameras, Video IP Phones, Alarm Systems	Heated Cameras, Laptops, Info Kiosks	TVs, High Power, WAPs

Traffic Management

Unmanaged switches treat all network traffic equally without any prioritisation. In contrast, many modern switches support traffic management features such as Quality of Service (QoS) and Virtual LAN (VLAN). QoS provides traffic prioritisation, ensuring high-priority traffic gets preferential treatment, reducing jitter, latency, and packet loss. It is best used for real-time applications such as gaming and, audio and video conferencing. In contrast, VLANs use logical segmentation to divide one physical network into multiple logical networks to improve security, manageability, and reduce broadcast traffic. This is best for isolating device types, such as separating work PCs from gaming PCs or consoles.

Which Switch?

You need a network port for every wired device, and it is sensible to allow some expansion room as connected devices in the home continue to increase. You can daisy chain another switch from your first switch if required, although cabling can become messy.

Recommended network switch type by home networking scenario
Scenario	PoE	Management	Recommended Switch
Addition of Smart Home TechnologiesMost heating, lighting and alarm systems will be 100Mb/s based	✖	✖	5- or 8-port 100Mb/s Unmanaged Switch
Addition of NASNetwork attached storage offers sharing of files but relies on good throughput - most NAS devices are Gigabit equipped	✖	✖	5- or 8-port 1Gb/s Unmanaged Switch
Addition of Security TechnologiesCameras benefit from optimal placing so PoE is recommended. Gigabit will support better video resolution.	✓	✓	8- or 16-port 1Gb/s Smart PoE Switch
Extending Wireless ReachAdding access points is the best way to extend wireless coverage - PoE will help flexibility in their placement	✓	✖	5- or 8-port 100Mb/s Unmanaged PoE Switch
Setting up Home OfficeFeatures such as PoE will support a desk phone and voice / video traffic prioritisation will offer better call and online meeting experiences	✓	✓	5- or 8-port 1Gb/s Smart PoE Switch

Shop Unmanaged Switches Shop Smart-Managed Switches

Wireless Network Cards

Wireless network interface cards sit within or connect to devices that need wireless networking. They are available in several form factors.

Wireless PCIe NICs

Wireless PCIe NICs are an alternative to a wired NIC, offering more flexibility depending on where your router is located. They are available across the common Wi-Fi standards.

M.2 Wireless NICs

An M.2 card is a smaller form factor card usually found in laptops. It offers a route to upgrade to a newer wireless standard for faster connectivity or greater range.

USB Wireless NICs

Wireless USB NICs provide a simple external upgrade path for devices without suitable internal Wi-Fi, using the same common Wi-Fi standards as PCIe and M.2 adapters.

Wireless Frequencies

As with routers, wireless PCIe, USB and M.2 NICs can support dual or triple band connectivity across 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz. This allows them to connect at the frequency required to get the best throughput and quality of connection.

The primary differences between the three frequencies are range and bandwidth. The 2.4GHz band provides coverage at longer range but transmits data at slower speeds, while the 5GHz and 6GHz bands provide less coverage but faster data transfer.

Wireless performance can also be affected by interference from other devices. The 5GHz and 6GHz bands tend to suffer less overcrowding than 2.4GHz because fewer devices use them and they provide more channels.

Wireless NIC manufacturers may quote speed figures by adding separate frequency bands together. As these operate on completely separate frequencies, the combined claimed speed cannot be achieved by a single connection, so check specifications for individual frequency throughput figures.

Security

As mentioned in the routers tab, wireless connections are vulnerable and need to be secured. This is done by enabling encryption on both the router and the wireless NIC within the device. There are numerous security protocols available, with the latest and most secure ones available on the most recent routers.

Wireless security standards by encryption and security level
Security Standard	Encryption	Level of Security	Comments
WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3)	192-bit AES-GCM	Highest	Most Recommended
WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2)	128-bit AES-CCMP	High	Highly Recommended
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)	128-bit TKIP	Medium	Not Recommended
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)	64-bit RC4	Low	Do not Use

Devices and routers of different ages may feature security levels that do not match, so features such as WPA2/WPA3 Mixed Mode allow them to connect as securely as possible. Always check device security specifications to ensure you get the best encrypted connections available to your router.

Shop PCIe Wireless NICs Shop USB Wireless NICs Shop M.2 Wireless NICs

HomePlug Adapters

HomePlug adapters, also called Powerline adapters, offer a third way of connecting devices in a home network by using existing mains electrical cabling to transmit signals rather than Ethernet or wireless.

They are especially useful when you wish to connect a device a long distance from the router where Ethernet cable would be hard to install, or where Wi-Fi coverage cannot reach due to distance or thick walls.

Pair of HomePlug powerline network adapters

How HomePlug Works

The most basic HomePlug kit is a pair of adapters. One plugs into a wall socket close to the router and connects via Ethernet cable. The other sits where you want the device and connects to that device by Ethernet cable. Some also include a dual-band wireless access point for additional Wi-Fi coverage in a distant part of the home.

So long as the pair of adapters are on the same electrical circuit, you will get data transfer. Many adapters include a passthrough plug socket, so you do not lose a socket by using them.

Powerline networking diagram showing signal over mains wiring

HomePlug Network Speeds

As HomePlug adapters work differently to standard Ethernet, their transfer speeds also differ. They are usually described by theoretical maximum speed, for example AV200, AV1200 or AV2000.

HomePlug standards by maximum data rate and range
Generation	Maximum Data Rate	Maximum Range
HomePlug 1.0	14Mb/s	300m
HomePlug AV	500Mb/s	300m
HomePlug AV2	2000Mb/s or 2Gb/s	300m

Connecting 100Mb/s devices to a gigabit HomePlug adapter will mean you lose much of the adapter's potential performance.

Real-world speeds are usually much lower than quoted because the signal weakens at junctions in the electrical wiring. Long distances, complex wiring and multiple circuit breakers reduce effectiveness. Typically, 30-35% of quoted speed can be expected, so a 1000Mb/s adapter may deliver 300-350Mb/s in practice.

Chargers, motors and hair dryers can create electrical noise that interferes with HomePlug signals, particularly if plugged in near the adapter. HomePlug adapters should not be used with extension leads or surge-protected power strips.

HomePlug Security

Later HomePlug standards, including AV and AV2, use 128-bit AES encryption to help prevent unauthorised access from neighbouring electrical circuits. Most units include a security button, so users should create a secure, unique network name instead of relying on a default password.

While it is unlikely for signals to cross into other houses, it is possible in apartments or closely connected homes for neighbours with similar devices to access your network if security is not configured.

Shop HomePlug Adapters

Cables

Any connection between Ethernet ports on a router, switch, wired device or HomePlug adapter requires an Ethernet cable. These cables use a standard RJ45 connector that clicks into the Ethernet port to make the connection.

Ethernet cables are also available in a wide range of colours, making it easier to see which router or switch port connects to a particular device.

Ethernet Cable Categories

Ethernet cables are categorised by generation based on speed, bandwidth and shielding improvements. The most common types in home use are detailed below.

Ethernet cable categories by data rate, bandwidth, range and use
Generation	Maximum Data Rate	Maximum Bandwidth	Maximum Range	Use
Cat. 5e	1Gb/s	100MHz	100m	Basic home networks
Cat. 6	1Gb/s	250MHz	100m	Gaming and streaming
Cat. 6a	10Gb/s	500MHz	100m	Pro graphics or video applications in home office

You may see Ethernet cables described as Cat. 7 or Cat. 8, or as shielded. These later generations are designed for corporate and datacentre environments where higher transfer speeds are required and shielding helps protect transmission from electromagnetic or radio frequency interference.

Shop Cables

Frequently Asked Questions

What is home networking?

A home network is a Local Area Network (LAN) that connects devices such as computers, tablets, smartphones and smart devices to each other and to the Internet. It uses a router, and potentially a network switch, to manage wired and wireless traffic.

What is a router?

A router is a specialised device that connects multiple networks, such as your home LAN and the Internet WAN, and directs data traffic between them.

What is a switch?

A network switch connects multiple wired devices, such as computers, printers and storage, within a local area network to facilitate communication.

What is a NIC?

A Network Interface Card (NIC) is installed in a computer or device to enable wired Ethernet or wireless Wi-Fi network communication and data transmission.

What is a HomePlug adapter?

A HomePlug adapter, or powerline adapter, uses your home's existing mains electrical wiring to transmit network signals, creating a wired network connection without installing Ethernet cabling.

What is a smart home?

A smart home includes interconnected devices that let homeowners remotely control, monitor and automate systems such as heating, lighting, security and appliances. Learn more in our Smart Home Buyers Guide.

Do I need a smart home?

A smart home is not a necessity, but it can improve energy efficiency, security and convenience by automating routine tasks such as lighting, heating and security. Learn more in our Smart Home Buyers Guide.