Home Networks Principles, Applications and Desirability

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Index

1. Introduction

2. Why the demand?

3. Technologies

4. Cat5e UTP structured wiring

5. Modular concept

6. Typical applications

7. Technical information

8. Summary

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1. Introduction Technology has changed drastically since the ‘phone company’ controlled all the wiring and equipment in our homes. There is demand for more and more services typically voice, data, video and audio distribution around the home. There is a need to a support these functions with a structured cabling solution. This area has evolved so home automation devices such as lighting controls and actuators are available to carry out specific tasks. Following on from this you have IP addressable products enabling homeowners to use the internet to monitor and control devices remotely whilst away from their homes.

2. Why the demand? Exhibitions and publications are driving the technology to homeowners. Major newspapers are running “smart home” articles”. Consumers are more aware of the lifestyle benefits. They understand that it is an investment and will increase the value and make their home more salable. Key requirements : Homeowners are not interested in the technical details. They don’t want to be baffled with technology; they want it to be a simple to use system which caters for their requirements. There only two things they really care about :

• How will it enhance my lifestyle? • How will it look on my walls?

3. Technologies

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The rapid and important growth of the internet has resulted in the requirement for a new range of broadband access technologies to residential premises (IP addressable products). The existing technologies such as fibre optic, radio, WIFI (wireless fidelity) and communication over power line in low voltage electricity distribution networks are also utilised in today’s applications. We are going to look at what’s involved : Power Line Communication (PLC)

The technology uses the existing electrical cabling as the network media, providing high-speed network access as well as control and command signals to any AC outlet. In most cases building a home network using existing AC electrical wiring is easier than trying to run wires, and more reliable and secure than wireless systems. However there could be issues related to EMC interference, but has not been utilised as much as the conventional wired (twisted pair) and wireless alternatives. Caters for home and small office applications. The signals transmitted by the carrying current are superimposed (added) to the 250V mains voltage. Signals transmitted are received and decoded by the receiver and the appropriate action carried out. Their magnitude (in order of 1 volt) does not effect the equipment that is connected to the mains supply, but is detected by the mains borne signalling receivers.

Wireless methods Infrared

Transmitter Transmitter ReceiverReceiverCoded infrared ray

Infra-red signal is sent via a remote control device by pointing it directly at the receiving device. Signal is decoded and the function carried out. Line of sight is a factor to consider. Radio control Similar to above but using radio frequency signals. Distance dependent and quality of the receiving and transmitting equipment.

Transmitter Receiver

Coded radio wave

WiFi – Wireless Fidelity Comprises of a variety of technologies and in essence really relates to wireless connection between two devices i.e. Bluetooth.

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4. Cat 5e UTP structured wiring installation requirements

Technological demands on a home’s wiring infrastructure creates the need for an advanced wiring system to be installed. This new wiring infrastructure provides the foundation of the electronic home enabling the owner to adapt the system to their needs. There are various methods of connectivity. We will consider which is the most flexible form. The method in question is RJ45 plug type connections and depending on function required we are today able to send video, data, telephone and audio down category 5e UTP cables by simply a plug and play method. Other systems may use intelligent ceiling speakers or bus technologies to control actuators to carry out specific operations. Normally done in 2 stages a first fix (wiring installed) and second fix stage (hub and functions modules installed). Overview of main components : • Home network connection centre (hub) • The cables • Connection points • Function modules required • Accessories such as speakers

and video cameras

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Wiring up… Home connection hubs… Each room gets its own cable run

back to the connection centre or hub. External signal feeds, (cable, phone,

satellite) are pulled to the connection centre and distributed to each room (star topology)

Two examples of enclosures are illustrated above. Cables The extremely high volume of data in today and tomorrow’s technology requires that the cables behind your walls connecting to the home network hub are of the highest quality. The cables used throughout the network are category 5e UTP and RG6 or CT100 type cables. These can be run depending on required number of outlets for the various media required. All done through RJ45 and F types sockets but in general a range of sockets are available.

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Connection points

A range of typical outlets from RJ45s to speaker jacks, F types and RCA connectors. Throughout the home there are various ‘multimedia’ points within your wiring accessories / wall plates installed at convenient locations for accessing the required feeds from the hub. All of these points will connected directly back to the hub by RJ45 connectivity. Flexibility to be able to change the function of any RJ45 connector from telephone to data to audio to video to home monitoring.

Plates now come with TV + FM + SAT + Sky as well as BT connection point for interactive services or normal telephone connection. Speakers are also designed to be installed in areas of special locations i.e. bathrooms, en-suites, whether ceiling or wall -mounted. For small rooms, dual cone stereo speakers can be sourced from number of manufacturers. A typical example is shown below.

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5. Modular Concept The modular concept is nothing new. There are many existing products available. Function modules

Telephone

Data 10/100 switch

Typical video combiner / splitter & Cat 5 video and camera modules are shown below :

Incoming telephone lines can be distributed to the required locations

Incoming Broadband connection can be shared to the required number rooms

Video signals can be shared using existing Cat5e UTP cabling or the standard coaxial cables. This modularity gives us the full flexibility we need around the home or small commercial application.

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6. Applications – Connectivity Telephone option

Data option

The set-up below shows how easy it is to have multiple telephone lines distributed to the required number of outlets using RJ45 plug in connectors. The sketch shows how 3 lines could be split and distributed using a typical scenario : Line 1 – general use Line 2 – business use Line 3 – fax machine For Data the following set-up can be utilised. The incoming broadband connection, whether it is BT ADSL or Cable, can be distributed around the home. This allows you to create your own network by sharing resources such as printers and scanners from several points in the home. All devices must be network capable with required hardware such as network adaptor cards and software installed.

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Video option

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The video set-up is as shown. Typically all signals will be combined and a return path signal will then be distributed to all outlets, allowing all signals to be viewed once the TV has been tuned into them. More people now require the flexibility of watching TV from any room in the home. To do this you need to split the signal. This also reduces the signal strength so we will need to amplify the combined signals. This is a process of measuring all signals coming in and attenuating, if necessary, to give the correct level. Some receiving equipment can be very sensitive to over amplification (Freeview boxes) which can lead to ghosting, which is an effect also experienced during weak signals. This system enables connection of cat5 cameras for internal or external use. Not only is home security a requirement but also for features where there is a need to have monitoring of, for example, a baby’s bedroom. It also allows connection of IP addressable cameras, providing ultimate flexibility. Additional equipment, such as CCTV footage, can be viewed using the existing TV network within the home by use of modulators. Modulation was available with equipment in the past. Unfortunately the need for scart leads with cheaper DVDs, Freeview boxes means that this feature is no longer available. A separate modulator is required to enable us to view the images on the UHF frequency band of 21 to 69.

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The above set-up is designed for what is ‘single source option’. This means that you can listen to only one audio source throughout the home. The incoming signal is converted to RJ45 connectivity from your normal RCA connections and is sent over category 5e UTP cable to the hub.

Ideally people want to select what they listen to, hence several independent audio sources can be set up to supply a number of rooms in the home. Generally systems of this nature which exist in the market place offer this benefit, whether it be bus type connectivity or wireless. The question is : how reliable are they in operation?

7. Technical Information TELCOMS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 570B – Global Standard

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Residential structured cabling standard : TIA are responsible for providing and maintaining standards and practices for the cabling industry EN50173-4 – Information Technology – Generic Cabling Systems Part 4 : Homes Also must adhere to : Cable separation standard – BS EN 50174-2 , 50173-1, as well as BS 7671 IEE Regs for safety requirements

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Steel partitionNo separation

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Steel partitionNo separation

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EN 50 174-2 - Segregation

Classes ApplicationsClass A

Class B

Class C

Class D

Low frequency applications up to 1 MHz

High data rate applications up to 100 MHz

Class E

Class F

Voice and low frequency applications up to100 kHz

Applications with medium data rate up to 16 MHz

High data rate applications up to 250 MHz

High data rate applications up to 600 MHz

Opticalclass

All applications for which the optical fibre passband issufficient

The standard EN 50 173-1 and ISO 11801

IP based systems for building communication

Installation must meet with relevant standards : BS EN 50173-1 / 50174-2 - cabling separation BS EN 50083 - cabled distribution systems for television and sound signals Telephones : R+TT Directive 1999/5/EC – Ren value max = 4 (voice) Data Cabling : EIA/TIA 568A AND 568B – Data wiring schemes Required signal levels : Signal requirements at source (incoming) = 70dB’s Minimum Signal level expected @ outlets = 60dB’s, minimum

568BData / Telephone for Commercial

solutions

568AAudio option &

Telephone / data

Residential solutions

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8. Summary So, why the swing towards a structured cabling solution with what’s happening in today’s world in terms of wireless technologies? The answer is quiet simple : people still prefer to plug in for their multimedia requirements, whether it’s data, TV or telephone, but want flexibility and, most importantly, reliability. The simplicity of plugging into a typical RJ45 and having the required function available to them is important. Coming back to the selection on which system to use you can argue that wireless is the least labour-intensive solution but is it the most cost effective? And will it deliver the same reliability? There is no reason why both systems cannot be used in conjunction with one another. Security is another factor from would-be hackers or just opportunists who may be within the vicinity to prey on an unsecured wireless connection. Can wireless offer you the complete solution today, meeting the demand for multi-functions and at the same time keeping costs down? A structured network, once installed, will perform reliably for many years to come and, in addition, serve to future proof the home.

A variety of customer specific technologies will be required, from structured networks which interact with door entry systems, safety devices and IP addressable products, allowing you to communicate with your home from anywhere in the world. Simplicity for the end user is the key. There is a great deal of interest in home networks from house builders who can see the added value of incorporating these products and features into the modern homes which they are building today. Consumer shows and exhibitions are adding to the growing demand from homeowners, by demonstrating the benefits that this technology has to offer not only now but also with future developments.