• Phoneline networks are configured in a daisy-chain pattern, as opposed to Ethernet's star pattern. Consequently, a Phoneline network doesn't require a hub or switch-computers plug directly into one another.
• Phoneline networks are built with telephone cabling, eliminating the need for bulky Ethernet cabling. The same cord that connects your telephone to your wall jack can now network your computers.
• Phoneline networks can run over the same line as your telephone service without interrupting or interfering with your calls. You can network together two computers by plugging one into a telephone jack on the first floor of your house, and the second into a telephone jack on the second floor. The data will flow from jack to jack through the telephone lines in the walls of your house.

The only hardware requirements of a Phoneline network are one network card or adapter per computer. Phoneline network cards are installed inside your computer, while network adapters are external. You will also need, of course, enough telephone wiring to connect everything.

The major drawback to Phoneline networking is that DSL Internet technology can't directly connect to a pure Phoneline network. There are two easy solutions to this problem. One is to install an Ethernet network card or adapter into the Internet-connected computer of the Phoneline network. The Ethernet network card or adapter will allow the computer to understand the DSL information, and the Phoneline card or adapter will allow that DSL information to be shared with the other Phoneline networked computers.

The other solution is to install a Broadband Network Bridge between your DSL modem and your Phoneline network. The Bridge converts the DSL information into Phoneline format, and then sends that data along to the network.

If convenience is your primary networking concern, Phoneline networking is the best home networking solution for you.

*(While Phoneline networking is typically slower than Fast Ethernet networking, it is likely that your Phoneline network will be just as fast as your DSL Internet connection. Any speed depreciation between Fast Ethernet and Phoneline networking will be negligible.)