Wireless Network and Cabled network are the Two Types of a Home Network.

While each Network need certain Specific Equipment,
Some are Common for Both.

The procedure for getting two devices on networks communicate involves establishing a path as the first step.
 

Ethernet cables are used in a cable network which is then physically connected with the help of wire strands. Very long cables, sometimes even measuring hundreds of feet are used for this purpose.

Certain physical limitations have to be overcome during the introduction of router or a switch in between cables. There is however, no cause for worry  for the builders of home networks as the cable is usually much longer than they you would expect it to be.  

The path in a wireless network is very real, though it may not be evidently visible. signals are sent and received with the help of wireless networks. Like TV signals, these are also principally subjected to interference.

However, on a day to day basis for home usage, this should not be a major problem.  Problem may arise very rarely with devices like solar flares with their charged particles, microwave ovens and metals inside the walls as they may cause interference with radio signals.

There are instances where even a wall may reduce the effectiveness of wireless signals.

Signals that are carried by wireless or wires have to be received with the help of certain devices.

Home networking equipment now includes a network interface card or NIC. This resembles an Ethernet card and are available in various speed ranges at affordable rates.

You can find these cards in capacities of 1 GB, 100 MB and 10 MB.  While these are common place, other speeds are available too.

An example would be the 11 MB/s speed for the 802.11b and the 54MB/s speed for the 802.11g, 802.11n wireless network.

With a reduction in cost,market is dominated by high speed networks. NIC comes in two distinctive types.

While one is the traditional variety that can be connected to Ethernet cables, the other comes with a built in transceiver in the form of a wireless card and sends and receives radio signals.  NICS in more than one device,

for example two computers on a single network cannot be connected directly using cables. Switches and routers are used for this purpose.  

Cables are plugged into a small device which has holes referred to as ports. This is the hub or a switch. They come very cheap and are more than enough or use in simple networks which need not be connected to an internet service.

Routers are very popularly used by the builders of home networks these days. As the name suggests, a router routes traffic.

Data is directed with the help of IP addresses and is determined by the router. Router also takes the help of routing data to hardware and software which are designed to receive and transmit data. Wireless and cabled are two types of routers.

Vendors across the world offer different model routers. Each model is equipped with different proprietary software which provide for various functions. Certain routers may have an in built virus protection feature.

The number of ports they come with determine the number of devices that can be plugged into it. Variation depends on the speed of operation and different rated speed. 

Home network systems feature certain other devices which are used to connect to the Internet. These include the Satellite modem or DSL, cable modem, etc. The above mentioned essential devices are used in a home network system.