To get the most out of your ASENT Media Centre you will require an internet connection. We strongly recommend that you connect you ASENT Media Centre to a modem or network using ethernet cabling. Ethernet cabling comes in varying standards and uses connectors that look like the ones you find on your telephone, only slightly bigger.

Wireless connections are OK for transmitting data over short distances, but it is not recommended for high definition media (such as TV or movies). In order to transmit video signal of any reasonable quality and resolution you need to be running the latest N standard wireless connections. And even then once you add walls and other obsticales in the way you will quickly lose the signal strength required.

Home networks are the best way to transmit data from one room to the next. This will become more and more common as the National Broadband Network brings fibre optical connection to each premises in Australia. Once connected to a home network you can share HDTV, movies, music and pictures between your ASENT Media Centre and other media extenders (and even other computers) around the home. So the kids can watch the Australian Idol in one room, while you watch World News in another - all at the same time!!

If you are building we strongly recommend that you ensure Cat 6 ethernet cabling is installed during the build process. This is the most cost effective way to get your home networked. If you are in an existing dwelling you can get Cat 5e or Cat 6 cabling installed in most cases.

Data cabling needs to be installed by a professional installer who is certified. This ensures that all legal requirements for data cabling are met (minimum distance from power lines, etc...) and will ensure you have a certificate of compliance. In South Australia ASENT uses and recommends SA Data Cabling for ethernet installations.