whatishomenetworking digital homenetworking Virgin Media

A network cable

There's a whole lot of buzz surrounding the subject of networking one's home and with good reason: it's easy to do and there are plenty of benefits to be had.

But what exactly do we mean when we say home networking?

In simple terms it means linking computers or devices together to take advantage of a shared connection. The benefits are numerous, for starters you can:

1. Share your web connection:

If you have more than one PC, installing a home network will enable you to share a single Internet connection and have multiple users surf simultaneously - so no more fighting over the only machine that's linked to the Internet!

2. Share a printer and transfer files:

You'll also be able to share a printer between your PCs, and enable users to transfer files between machines without the need to keep swapping disks. Remember that old desktop that was relegated to the garage when you purchased your new machine? Add a network card to it and you have a perfect system for checking email, surfing the web and instant messenger chats.

3. Go online wherever you like:

If you're a laptop user, for example, then wireless broadband will allow you to roam through your home, constantly connected but without the long and unsightly length of cable keeping you tethered to your Internet connection. Feel like surfing from the garden or firing off a few emails from bed - a wireless network provides the freedom you seek.

4. Get the most from any other wireless gizmos in your home:

Perhaps there's a Sony Playstation or Microsoft Xbox sitting in your living room. Add a network adaptor to these devices and one person can be using your high-speed connection to engage in a little multi-player gaming while you finish up that report on the family PC. You could also get much more out of a Wi-Fi equipped PDA, using a wireless home network.

5. Stream digital music:

If you're into digital audio and video, a home network can enable you to stream music or movies stored on your PC (or perhaps an MP3 player) into your home theatre system or TV.