This paper deals with an optimal design of linear network based control systems. We study a class of delayed dynamical systems in the continuous time-domain and propose an optimization approach based on the newly elaborated hybrid LQ-type techniques. Moreover, we develop an explicit connection between the given network based control processes and auxiliary hybrid models. The optimal feedback control strategy for the network based control systems is obtained as a consequence of the Riccati-formalism for the associated hybrid LQ problems. We also discuss some alternative optimization techniques and stability properties of the optimal trajectories. ©2010 IEEE.