Which control medium is right for you?
Home control systems send commands through a transmission medium.  Some, like Zigbee and Z-Wave, use radio waves and are wireless.  Others use your already-installed home electrical or phone wiring.  The most elaborate (and reliable) systems use Ethernet cable installed throughout the house.  If you’re building a new home, consider structured Ethernet wiring for your home control.  If you want the easiest way into the game, think a wireless or power/phone line medium.

URC’s Total Control system uses IP over Cat5 wire to operate audio, security and lighting in a house.