'Smart' Home or Building is one of numerous marketing terms is used to describe the fully integrated, fully 'connected' home or office. Think of the space-age 'Jetsons' cartoon or the infamous home of Bill Gates and you will remember the hype and promises of the 'home of the future'.

Well, it is not science fiction anymore. In fact, 42% of new home construction is being 'future-proofed' by installing the basic cable infrastructure needed to support the ever increasing number of intelligent, integrated consumer electronics entering the market. Have you seen the advertisements for wireless (WiFi) networks in the home or the local coffee shop? This industry has been maturing and converging for many years and it is now poised to kick into high gear.

Smart' Building Networks integrate Entertainment (audio/video), Security, Lighting, HVAC, and Computer devices and systems thereby enabling them to be easily controlled using wireless remotes, touch-panels, or even via the Internet. The value proposition is that 'smart' buildings can offer increased comfort, safety, convenience, entertainment options and time-management to the homeowner and commercial building owner/tenant.