Utilihab currently uses a domestic network scheme employing conventional Ethernet and WiFi with Cat 5 cable connectivity. Current trends suggest a convergence of home communications onto these standards and Utilihab employs these as the basis of home computer networking, telecom networking, home entertainment, and home automation systems. A supplementary parallel POTS chain using Cat 5 cabling is also supported as domestic Internet telephony still lags behind the other forms of network convergence. Parallel conventional analog home video distribution cabling is also supported, but expected to be soon supplanted by digital.
Data network connection points are provided primarily through floor panels (most often corner panel) fitted for the Utilihab Modular Home Wiring system. Low profile retrofit wall junction modules are also included, designed for use with Utilihab standard flush panel systems employing frame cover trim. Junction modules are also used for the Utilihab Supercabinet system which attach to concealed T-slot framing elements and counter-top back-panels. These all include plug-in port options for power, fiber optic lighting, data, POTS, and analog video cable.
The Utilihab domestic networking scheme is centered on a stand-alone gateway router and parallel WiFi router and/or distributed access point units as network base rather than, as was often the case in years past, a desktop computer serving as gateway. This is based on the fact that single computer households are no longer the convention and with Internet convergence we are seeing a shift toward network appliance forms with home entertainment products -and eventually telephones as well. The network base may be in any utility space in the home or integral to appliance kits like the Utilihab Media/PC Panel or Supercabinets.
The Utilihab domestic network scheme also employs web controller modules to allow the home data network to function as the basis of a home automation platform called HomeWeb that is accessed from any household computers via web interface. The traditional home automation systems tended to be based on a dedicated central control PC using a largely proprietary home control networks with their own specialized cabling and highly proprietary software. With the advent of single-chip web controllers of extremely small scale, it has now become possible to base home automation on network appliance modules giving every home automation element built-in intelligence and a web-based interface accessible by any web-enabled device on the home network. Devices can be accessed for control individually or, using a home server to host master control web pages with ‘sequencer’ programs/scripts, collectively controlled in sets. A much simpler, more reliable, and more open approach that is much easier for the DIY builder to grasp.