Scope and Purpose
The VHN Home Network is defined by an abstract model (see Figure
2) that satisfies the needs of the classes of applications
described in the Section 1.1. The model consists of:
• A backbone network.
• One or more component networks.
• A number of access devices that connect the home network to
external access networks.
• A number of network devices that connect component networks to
the home backbone network.
• End devices that provide various functional services to the
home user.
Purpose
The VHN enables several important classes of applications for
the home network:
• Entertainment services — which include the
distribution of video, audio, and video games, and the control of
audio/video (A/V) devices such as TVs, VCRs, and set-top boxes.
• Communication services — which include voice
telephony (wired and wireless), video telephony, video
conferencing, distance learning, and remote access to corporate
networks.
• Information services — which include Internet
access, on-line service access, PC file and printer sharing, news
and information on demand, home shopping, and home banking.
• Home automation services — which include
lighting, appliance control, energy management, comfort control,
and premises security.
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