10BaseT is the standard Ethernet topology used in Home Automation designs. This type of Ethernet requires 4 pair 24 AWG UTP CAT-5 wiring. Once you choose a network topology the next thing you will need to choose are the hardware components to support the topology. The three basic components of the network hardware are the NICs, Hubs, and wiring. Installing a NIC into your computer requires the same hardware configuration steps as if you were installing an internal modem or sound card.
Some computers come with built-in NICs or automatic configuration.
This makes the hardware setup step easier. Many different types of network Hubs exist today. The most common Hubs connect 4 or 8 computers together. Some network Hubs require an external power supply and have to be initialized before they can be used. You can connect several network Hubs together to create a larger network.