Abstract Issues concerning Home networks are discussed. The two main areas are the physical connections used and the communications protocols required. Of the physical connections available the IEEE-1355 family is addressed in particular. The software protocol proposed consists of embedding device drivers within the device itself. The device uploads its driver to one or many intelligent units. This approach is achieved here by using Java bytecode. It is argued that this mechanism eliminates the need for a pre-determined all-encompassing protocol, provides a simple and future-proof system and ensures that home networks can be quite literally plug and play.