The IEEE Standards Association has recently ratified the Broadband over Powerline standard. Now that it’s globally recognized, we should really see adaptation of the tech flourish; I’m anxious just thinking of the home networking possibilities.
With a base router (wired or wireless) unit and a couple extenders (again, wireless or 1-4 port ethernet extenders) you have all you need. You simply use the router as you would any other, and plug a remote into whatever outlet is conveniently near where you want a PC or have bad wireless signal in your home. The technology sends out ethernet (up to 500Mbps) through your power line. The Wi-Fi extender is just as simple. Bad signal in a corner bedroom? Not anymore, with just a little remote box plugged into the wall outlet.