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Simple home networks, which connect one or two devices, are inexpensive and relatively easy to set up. Here are two options for building networks where it's not possible to install wire in the walls.

Phone Networks. Inexpensive systems that let you connect multiple computers using your home's phone wires are available today. The networking systems cost between $90 and $200. In most instances you'll have to open the cases on your computers to install a network card, but doing so isn't as intimidating as it sounds. Information is available on the Internet from The Home Phoneline Networking Alliance.

Wireless Networks. An alternative to moving data from point "A" to point "B" using wires is to broadcast it with a low-power radio signal. The signals can go through walls so where you place your computers (or other network devices) isn't critical. No-wire networks will allow you to connect to the Internet from a laptop computer that can be moved from room to room. Further information is available on the Web from The Home Phoneline Networking Alliance.

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For a little additional money, the owners of this home office were able to wire their house with an infrastructure that can support several computers and a whole-house audio system. By including audio inputs at the computer desk, they made it possible to pipe sound from the computer to other rooms in the house. With this feature, they can listen to audio from the Internet, which can play live broadcasts from out-of-town radio stations.

Better Homes and Gardens

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