Thanks, Jofm5.
Understood, and makes sense.
An update: Although Netgear are my usual home networking hardware provider of choice, on this occasion I have gone down another route: Solway 200Mb mains over ethernet adaptors are so cheap, and get consistently high reviews that I have purchased a pair to use in the manner described.
If they are as good as I anticipate I will buy another two, allowing me to connect the media server (running XP SP2 MCE 2005) in my home office with AV equipment in the living room. I tried before using wireless but even at 54Mb got regular picture breakup so I gave up on the idea. (Thankfully the Pinnacle Showcenter 2000 I used to contol the connection was borrowed, not purchased, but I will now need to do some research to see how the available products have moved on and then purchase something)
In turn, if I do this, I can then switch the home hub wireless circuit off (it would be surplus to requirements) and simply use the Netgear for wireless connection.