Some products are starting to surface that could enable consumers to create nimble networks in their home, featuring Internet-enabled devices. Many of these devices are based on what's called Bluetooth technology. This is a short-distance wireless system that allows voice and data connections between devices that eventually could be 200 to 300 feet apart. The network system would use radio waves to enable the communications. Consumers would still likely use a standard cable or phone line to connect to the Net, but no other wires would be needed.
Consumers seem to like the concept.
The Pleasant Hill, Calif., resident has seem a demonstration of an Apple wireless system called Airport that could work for his home, where he has a network consisting of Apple-made desktop and laptop computers. If I had a client in a room, I could just take my computer over there instead of having to run a wire to another room. What's more, a diverse array of gadgets could comprise this futuristic network. Computers, laptops, printers, phones, entertainment centers, television sets, VCRs and headphones are among the devices that analysts envision will get hooked up, as it were. But some insiders believe common household appliances could join the network.