TABLE OF CONTENTS Telephone lines provide an already existing infrastructure in the home that can be utilized for broadband communications and home networking. A communications node can be connected to every telephone outlet in the house to provide a network through the telephone lines. However, most homes are not wired adequately to provide ubiquitous connections in the home. Some homes may only have one telephone outlet in the entire house. Therefore, the telephone line networking system is limited in coverage.
One of the ways to increase the coverage and still use the telephone lines for networking is to combine the telephone network with either power line communications, wireless communications, or all three methods. This hybrid provides excellent coverage throughout the home and small office.
Telephone line communication transmits signals over the existing telephone line infrastructure (see Figure 7 1). Therefore, wherever there is a telephone line present, the voice or data will be transmitted without running additional wires. Communication over the existing telephone line is used for simultaneous shared Internet access, printer and file sharing, and network gaming.
The data and voice is coupled to the telephone line and transmitted to the other devices via the telephone lines. Telephone line communications uses an Ethernet network and the telephone lines for the infrastructure. Telephone line developers plan to provide USB and Ethernet adapters to the home network.
Since the telephone line is used for both voice and data...
