The ability to send and receive information electronically has become an important part of our lives. Internet access, multiple phone lines, cable television, satellites, wired and wireless home computer networks, and security systems are commonplace in many homes. And as our telecommunications needs grow, a better faster and more convenient way to manage these separate systems will be necessary.

A home network system brings all these single systems together at one central location. It provides a transmission path for electronic information rather than for electricity. Electronic information can be voice, video, audio, or computer data. Network wiring is about moving this electronic information to wherever you need it.

Older phone and cable TV wiring use a continuous loop wiring method. With this method, various jacks and connectors are installed along a single loop of cable or wire running throughout the house. Though easier to install, this method is unreliable, especially with the large demands placed upon the lines by computers and other electronic devices.

In this traditional method, the cable or wire that is split runs from the demarcation point, Network Interface Device (NID), or service entrance the point where the service providers transfer ownership of the lines to the homeowner. The transmission signals are strongest at the point they enter the home. But repeatedly splitting cables and wire throughout the run degrades the strength of the signal. Also, if there is a problem in the line, all the jacks and connectors in the run are affected.

New home network wiring systems resolve this problem. The system employs a star topology, in which all cables and wires are distributed from a central point. All inputs are brought to a centralized distribution center that contains modules designed to maintain the strength of voice, data, and video (VDV) transmission signals. High performance cable and wires are routed to any room in the house where VDV capability is necessary. Plug and play multimedia outlets provide easy access to a variety of signals.

The system can be used to create home computer networks, multi-room audio system, multiple phone lines for home offices, and distribution for DVD, DVR, VCR, or closed circuit television signals to any room of the house.

Installing a system is a project that any home owner can accomplish. Many home centers carry all the components and materials necessary for installation.

It is much easier to run cables and wires in unfinished walls, but retrofit installations are quite manageable if you carefully plan the system needs, determine the optimal location for each unit, and map out the cable routes.

Though installation methods and techniques for network wiring systems are generally the same, there are some differences between the different manufacturer’s systems. Always carefully read and follow both the instruction and operation manuals provided by the manufacturer of you specific network wiring system.

Installing a Home Network System
With the increasing need for networking capabilities in the home for work and entertainment, standards have been developed by the Telecommunication Industry Association (TIA) and the Electronic Idustry Alliance (EIA) in accordance with the Federal Communications Commistion (FCC). These standards are becoming the code requirements for home network wiring installation across the country. Make sure to check with your local building inspector for the current codes in this new and changing area of home wiring.

There are four components to a network wiring system: the distribution center, the distribution modules, cables and wires, and the multimedia outlet. Each component serves a particular function in the distribution of voice, data, and video signals throughout your home network system.

Installing a Home Network System
Distribution Center

The distribution center is the central hub of the network wiring system, housing the distribution modules and the cable and wire connections that link the entire network. All service cables from outside your home (antenna, cable TV, telecommunication lines, etc.) are routed from the service entrance to the distribution center, where their signals are then distributed to every room in your house. In addition, signals generated within your home (such as DVD, VCR, audio, or computer networks) can be routed back to the center and redistributed to the multi media outlets in the rooms of your choice.

Typically, the lower portion of the distribution center houses the electrical transformer that supplies power to the system. A dedicated 15-amp, 120-volt, non switch able duplex receptacle must be installed, either in the enclosure itself or within 60” of the distribution center.

The upper portion of the center is reserved for video distribution modules, while a mounting bracket or brackets are fastened at the middle section to hold various home network modules.

Installing a Home Network System
Distribution Modules

The distribution modules are the interface devices used to maintain and strengthen the signal for further routing throughout the system. Each module contains at least one INPUT port for receiving the incoming signal to be distributed (or redistributed), and a series of OUTPUT ports for routing the desired signal to the desired locations. Each module is designed to serve a particular function:

Video distribution modules receive and distribute cable, satellite, UHF, VHF, and other coaxial signals throughout the network. Video modules are also use to create internal video networks through the use of a modulator, a device that receives signals from a source (DVD, VCR, or video camera) and assigns those signals to the unused channels in the cable or satellite system.

Telecommunication modules distribute voice and data signals received from various RJ45 jacks throughout the home network and out to the world.

Computer network modules are used to create home computer networks when used with, and properly configured to, Ethernet network cards and software. Many home office modules are available that combine the best attributes of the telecommunication and computer network modules for convenient transference of information.

Camera modules distribute video and audio signals received from closed circuit monitoring cameras to all external TV outlets for viewing. This module typically works in conjunction with a video distribution module.

Audio distribution modules route audio signals received from your stereo receiver or amplifier to speakers or terminals mounted in various locations.

Power distribution modules supply power for all internal DC power patch cords to the amplifier or panel, as well as to those modules requiring a source of electricity.

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