Network Architecture

The ideal architecture of the home network consists of components shown below.

There is a firewall that connects the home network to the Internet with an "always on" connection such as DSL or cable. Internet access is not required, but it gives the homeowner access to more features. In many cases, the firewall will also have WiFi built in. Additional WiFi access points can be connected to the 10/100 Ethernet Switch. The firewall has a built in DHCP server and a local DNS server, too. The DHCP server supplies an IP address to the Domain Controller. The local DNS server stores the name of the Domain Controller and other devices on the network such that the devices on the network can be addressed by name instead of IP address. Neither the DHCP server, nor the DNS server is required. However, the DHCP server is highly desirable and the DNS server is nice to have.

The firewall connects to a 10/100 Ethernet switch so that the Domain Controller can connect to the Ethernet switch via 100 Mbps Ethernet (which it must do in this release) and the Shubs (if present) can connect via 10 Mbps Ethernet (which they must do because the Domain 350 Ethernet chip only supports 10 Mbps Ethernet). Other Ethernet devices would also connect to the 10/100 Ethernet switch via hardwired Ethernet or via a WiFi access point. Then all of the RS-232, RS-485, IR, and relay-based components would connect directly to the Domain Controller or through Additional Ports.

Note, if the network does not have a DHCP server (or if it is disconnected)