The American home is the center of a convergence of competing technologies, architectures, and suppliers, each with a unique set of advantages and solutions. Systems are being researched, developed, and deployed to manage, monitor, and control the following list of functions:

• data and voice communication needs internal and external to the home
• electronic entertainment devices
• service appliances that prepare food
• service appliances that maintain the home appearance
• systems and devices that maintain the in-home environment
• devices that keep the home secure from intrusion or damage from internal and external man-made or natural events

Successful home-network system providers must develop capabilities that are upward compatible. A central controller (the brain, microprocessor, switcher, or data storage device) to capture home-network events and react in conditioned or learned responses is essential to future product innovation.

The home-network transport medium of the future will be wireless, as is dictated by the homeowner's need for flexibility, the moving continuum of product development, and the high cost and sheer inconvenience of wire-based installations.

In addition, consumers will require a system that manages everything within the home, including voice, data, and appliances. Wireless technology will provide necessary convenience, simplicity, and long-term cost savings.