scope:

Introduction

The R-7.4 VHN Home Network is a flexible and open network architecture specification for the home.

A R-7.4 VHN Home Network

• allows the transfer of information among all connected, digital devices in the home;

• allows interoperability between different networks in the home, including low bandwidth networks and high bandwidth networks;

• provides a common interface to Residential Gateways which connect devices in the home to access networks;

• provides user-to-device control;

• provides device-to-device control; and

• provides home network management for devices and applications.

The VHN enables several important classes of applications for the home network:

• Entertainment services -- which include distribution of video, audio, and in the home, video games, and control of 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 print sharing, news and information on demand, home shopping, and home banking.

• Home automation services -- which include energy management, premises security, lighting and appliance control.