Dedicated - Custom:

Signals can be transmitted uncompressed over a custom cable, which could be copper or fiber-based. The cable is dedicated to this function only and runs in a point-to-point configuration. Cables may be physically bulky, unsightly and expensive.

Dedicated - Coax:

Similar to custom, but low cost and without the physical limitations as it may be hidden within the walls.

Dedicated - UTP:

Similar to custom, but low cost and without the physical limitations as it may be hidden within the walls. UTP may be Cat-5 or Cat-6(a).

Dedicated - Wireless:

The AV signals can be transmitted uncompressed over the air. Has severe distance and configuration limitations as well as latency, dropped packets, and bandwidth constraints.

Ethernet:

Frame based networking technology for LANs utilizing twisted pair cables. 2 main versions utilized today, Fast Ethernet (100Mbps) which requires compression of the video signal, or Gigabit Ethernet (1,000 Mbps) which doesn’t require compression. The system may support other functions if bandwidth permits.

Powerline:

Similar to Ethernet with the advantage of ubiquity. Bandwidth is typically less than that of Fast Ethernet due to electrical noise on the line and multiple electrical phases/circuits. Multiple silicon “standards”.

MoCA:

The MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) system promises bandwidths in the 100 – 175 Mbps range over coax wiring only. Sole source silicon. Coexists with standard CATV signals.

HomePNA 3.x:

The HomePNA (Phoneline/HPNA) system offers bandwidths up to 320 Mbps with a standard Ethernet driver interface over coax or phone lines. Sole source silicon. Coexists with standard CATV signals.

Wifi:

WiFi offers avoidance of all cabling hassles along with reasonable distance capabilities. However, bandwidth is limited and reliability may be poor when delay is constrained.