Check out this site for some good info (with diagrams) on home networking technologies:

h**p://www.howstuffworks.com/home-network.htm

Has good explanations for beginners and pros alike. :)

Also check here to jump right into their little site link index that includes:

How Power-line Networking Works
How Phone-line Networking Works
How Wireless Networking Works
How Ethernet Works
How Routers Work
How Firewalls Work
How DSL Works
How Cable Modems Work
How Modems Work
How Internet Infrastructure Works
How Virtual Private Networks Work
How LAN Switches Work
How Network Address Translation Works
How Wireless Internet Works
How PCs Work
How Laptop Computers Work
How Power Distribution Grids Work
How Telephones Work

h**p://www.howstuffworks.com/home-network12.htm

Hope this helps out some with networking questions :D :) :D

Well I'll be the first, good link It would be useful even for someone totally clueless to get a good start.