“In home” digital networks and cordless options

This paper examines the need and opportunity for in-home digital networks (IHDN) in general and why the interest they generate seems to be growing. The case for “cordlessness” is made and the likely strength of this capability is compared with, and related to, the expected performance of the latest wired options. A possible reconciliation is proposed between the apparently most competent bus oriented and connectionless wired contender and an emerging wireless technology based on ATM. The background for all this will be the perception that a significant, possibly the main, load on the in-home network will be offered by entertainment services