What Can a Wired Home Do?

A "Wired Home" is a living environment that empowers the consumer to maximize the potential of technology to satisfy personal lifestyle needs. It gives the homeowner control to integrate two or more home systems to realize the benefits most desirable for their lives. Those systems could include communications, computers, audio/visual, entertainment, security, lighting controls, utilities and environmental controls.

Applications 
While a "wired home" adds security, peace of mind and convenience to day-to-day activities, the applications to simplify life are nearly endless. There are many advantages and conveniences of a "wired home" including:

• Connect to the Internet
  • Advanced wiring systems allow consumers to "plug-in" personal computers anywhere in the home to access Internet services, as well as send and receive e-mail and faxes.
  • Multiple computers, printers, fax machines and other devices can be connected to create a cost-effective and convenient "home area network" that allows for sharing of files, printers, games, etc.
  • Single phone lines can share Internet access for multiple, simultaneous users without tying up phones for emergency or other needs.
  • Families can enjoy high-speed Internet access and multiple e-mail accounts while maintaining a single access/service provider.
    
• Home Office
  • Professionals can work at home with the same convenience as at the office. Home offices can accommodate multiple communication technologies, so the computer, fax machine, modem and telephone can function simultaneously while providing the efficiency of the latest in high-speed Internet access.
    
• Home Entertainment
  • Homes are equipped to readily accept all entertainment systems/distribution services (including: direct broadcast satellite, DVD, cable, etc.). Homeowners have maximum freedom and flexibility to direct audio and video services on demand to all or one outlet in the home-from the bedroom to the home theater.
    
• Environmental Controls/Energy Management
  • Access to sophisticated heating and cooling controls offers maximum comfort and efficiency. This allows the homeowner the flexibility to control HVAC, the water heater and other appliances to work more efficiently when necessary and automatically shut down/turn down when not needed to save on overall heating and cooling costs.
    
• Security and Property Protection
  • A "wired home" can contribute to numerous security protection applications including the use of intelligent lighting controls, monitoring systems and motion detectors. Security systems can be linked with PCs, intercoms, HVAC controls and lighting systems to give the homeowner optimum control and flexibility.

Reproduced with permission from the Home Automation Association