A stand-alone video camera (often with a built-in microphone) connected to your home network can have several uses. You can place a camera at the front door to identify visitors, or use one in a nursery or playroom to keep an eye on your children from computers in other parts of the house. Other devices can use special sensors to detect smoke and fires, unlocked or open doors and windows, broken glass, or flooding and other problems and send alerts to the homeowner on a local computer or to a home protection service through the Internet. Combined with a wireless network link, the same kind of security moni- toring can extend to a detached garage, shed, or other separate buildings, even if the house’s wired network does not reach those locations. Chapter 15 explains how to connect and use cameras and other security devices to your network.