Home network hardware options can be baffling at first. If you're considering setting up a home network, you have a lot of decisions to make. Wired or wireless? What brand is best? What speed and format to choose?

You can answer many of these questions just by examining your current hardware roster. Do you have computers in multiple rooms? Do you have other devices you'd like to connect to the internet, such as video game consoles?

If you answered yes to either of these last two questions, you'll probably want to go with a wireless network. The latest technology is wireless G, short for 802.11g, which also supports most 802.11b devices. Wireless G can handle speeds of up to 54Mbps, or close to five times as fast as 802.11b, so you won't feel as much of a slowdown compared to wired networks.

Linksys WAP55AG Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

Nintendo's Wii and Sony's PlayStation 3 feature built-in 802.11b/g wireless, and you can purchase an adapter to add this capability to the Microsoft Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 2. Thus, a wireless home network lets you game online from your living room as well.

Many wireless routers also feature Ethernet ports, so you can link multiple computers in a room via Ethernet cables, and then connect other devices such as laptops and video game consoles via the wireless interface. If you're picking up other network hardware such as a wireless adapter for another computer or a video game console, you should consider getting the same brand as your router. Wireless networks do work across brands, but they generally communicate better (and often more rapidly) if they're the same brand.

Wired networks aren't just Ethernet anymore. You can also opt for phone-line or power-line network hardware. These networks transfer data through your home's existing telephone or power lines, so you don't have to string networking cable throughout your house. Such networks offer similar speed and security to traditionally cabled networks, while they provide versatility closer to that of a wireless network.

There are numerous accessories to consider once you have your network up and running. For example, you can utilize networked storage, connecting huge hard drives to make it easy to share files between systems. You can also pick up wireless or wired adapters for laptops and desktops to quickly link them to your home network. You can even purchase media streaming devices that let you share photos, video and music between your computer and your home theater system.

Here are home network devices and accessories that we found to be particularly effective.

Linksys WAP55AG Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

The Linksys WAP55AG Wireless Access Point is versatile router that will completely blanket your home in wireless connectivity. This device works in two bands at once, with a 2.5GHz band that covers 802.11b/g and a 5GHz band that offers 802.11a connectivity. Both bands offer wireless speeds of up to 54Mbps. The Linksys WAP55AG sells for about $70.

Belkin F5D7230-4 Wireless G Router

If you're just looking for an inexpensive wireless G router, the Belkin F5D7230-4 is priced at about $30. This basic unit supports the 802.11b and 802.11g standards, so you can connect new wireless G devices at up to 54Mbps and let older 802.11b devices share the network as well. There are also four 10/100 Ethernet ports, so you can connect additional devices via Ethernet cables.

Linksys PLK200 Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit

The PLK200 Powerline kit from Linksys lets you connect multiple computers via the power lines in your home. Simply plug one of the adapters into a wall outlet and then connect it to your computer's Ethernet port. The PLK200 supports speeds up to 200Mbps, although true operating speeds usually measure about 50Mbps. At around $175, this is one of the more expensive networking kits available, but it offers a fast and hassle-free way to connect multiple computers and devices throughout your home.

D-Link MediaLounge DSM-320 Digital Media Streamer

D-Link MediaLounge DSM-320 Digital Media Streamer

D-Link's MediaLounge DSM-320 lets you stream multimedia files from your computer to your home theater system over a wired or wireless home network. You can watch video, listen to music and view photos stored on your computer, all in the comfort of your living room. The DSM-320 sells for around $175, so it's not cheap, but it provides a fun way to view your multimedia files.