Most people have had some contact with a network through their work environment -- computer local area networks (LANs) in the office, control networks in factories, telephone networks in many mid--sized or larger businesses. The Internet itself is one big network. Although some folks may think of a network as simply something that helps them do their work, the network concept has begun to move from the workplace to the home address. Smart home builders and remodelers (and forward--looking owners of otherwise perfect existing homes) are starting to think in terms of wiring (or wirelessing) their homes both to make use of a network today and to prepare for future structural requirements. Smart Homes For Dummies, 2nd Edition, lays out a richly landscaped spread of possibilities in networking your home devices -- for convenience, cost control, time--savings, safety, and increased property values. This forward--thinking, fun guide spells out how to * Imagine all the cool stuff that home networks can do * Make your home an entertainment center * Plan a phone system * Design a home--based LAN * Wire a security system * Install and configure all the gizmos Smart homes never want for innovation; people are constantly inventing things. Stuff that seems niche--oriented and expensive today may be high--volume consumer products tomorrow. Smart Homes For Dummies, 2nd Edition, invites you to take advantage of the latest techno developments as you rev up for the upcoming gee--whiz things that'll make your home a twenty--first century castle. You'll meet the most recent information and insight on * Figuring how much you're willing to spend * Connecting your kitchen appliances and more * Feeding audio and video from your Media Center * Accessing the Internet all over your house * Integrating a satellite system to create a video network * Untangling cables and components * Seeing what's just over the horizon for telephone service A home network opens the world to your entire household, and Smart Homes For Dummies, 2nd Edition, provides a plan for your home, sweet home to enjoy all that awaits in an infinite space.