Access Control
Access control systems allow building access to authorized users, without the hassle of lost keys and lock replacement. Reports may be generated to track employee attendance and movements within a facility.

Active Device
An active device transmits some sort of energy into the protected space and is either looking for a change in frequency of the received energy, such as that created by a microwave motion detector, or an interruption of the signal, like the projected laser of a photo beam detector.

Backbone
A backbone is the main, high-speed cable from which transceiver cables are connected to computers, hubs and other equipment.

Bandwidth
A "data throughput," bandwidth is the capacity of a communications medium for delivering multiple channels of data. This capacity (speed) is measured in bits per second (bps) digital transmission. Bandwidth is measured in standard frequency units of kHz or MHz. For example, Category 5 wiring has a bandwidth of 100 megahertz. Bandwidth is parallel to the number of lanes on a highway or the diameter of a water pipe. The bandwidth of a signal depends on the speed in bps.

Broadband
Broadband can dramatically increase the speed with which the Internet can be accessed. Technically speaking, broadband refers to telecommunication that provides multiple channels of data over a single communications medium, typically using some form of frequency or wave division multiplexing. Many broadband technologies offer speeds of up to 700 times faster than the most commonly used dial-up modem. Broadband is available to end-users through the copper wire of the telephone network (DSL), the fiber/coaxial of the cable network (cable), fixed wireless, satellite and fiber. Cable TV is an example of a broadband transmission.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
CCTV systems allow management to view and record high-risk areas to deter theft, control inventory, increase productivity and deter fraudulent insurance claims. CCTV allows remote monitoring of parking lots and building exteriors to improve employee safety.

Combination Detectors
These are also called dual technology motion detectors. They are a combination of both passive and active detectors and are referred to as dual-tecs.

Communication Integration
Communication integration is the primary purpose of the smart wired home. With many electronic devices networked together for seamless operation the end result is an enhanced lifestyle of simplicity and freedom for the homeowner.

Digital Satellite Service (DSS)
Technology permitting high-speed Internet access dozens of times faster than standard dial-up connections. DSS also offers nearly blanket coverage and an "always on" Internet capability.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
A modem technology that enables broadband digital data to be transmitted over existing telephone copper wire on the local loop ("last mile"). DSLs can be used to provide connections to the Internet or LANs or for video-conferencing. With DSL, analog voice phone calls and digital signals can coexist on the same wires. DSL is able to function on a line simultaneously with standard voice and fax services, allowing the user to avoid the installation of a new separate line. According to Cahners In-Stat, about 1.5 million U.S. consumers have some form of DSL.

Category 5 Wiring (CAT5)
There are categories, or levels, of twisted-pair cabling. Each level describes the performance characteristics of wiring standards. Category 5 is the best cable for any network, business or home. The more twists per inch, the better the wiring rejects noise and the greater its bandwidth.

Digital Video
A true digital recorder is a multifunctional device. The very nature of the technology allows a single unit to replace not only the recorder, but also all of the accessory items needed to run a VCR-based CCTV system. There is no need for multiplexers, switchers or any other device other than cameras.

DVD
DVD is an abbreviation of digital versatile disc, a CD-sized laser disc used to store and playback high quality audio and video.

Energy Conservation
Never stumble into a darkened room again fumbling for the light switch. Program lights to come on when a door is opened or when a car enters the driveway. Automated lighting sequences are available for "good night", "good morning", or "entertainment", so all you have to do is press one button and relax. Or have your lights adjust automatically by time of day. Turn off all lights in the house at bedtime with one button ease.

Home Area Network (HAN)
A new acronym for a network set up in the home.

Home Systems
The systems in a home designed to improve comfort, safety and convenience. These systems usually include the distribution of something. Examples include heating and air-conditioning systems, alarm systems and sprinkler systems.

Home Network
A home network is two or more computers interconnected to form a local area network within the home. In the United States, it is estimated that 15 million homes have more than one computer. A home network allows computer owners to interconnect their multiple computers to share files, programs, printers, other peripheral devices, and Internet access with other computers, reducing the need for redundant equipment and making everything easier to use. Sharing files across a home network is also easier than copying a file to a floppy and running to the other computer to use the file. A new trend, sometimes referred to as an intelligent network, extends the home network to include controls for the home ambient environment, security systems, and kitchen devices. A home network is distinguished from a Small Office-Home Office network (SOHO) only by its more general purpose and by the kinds of devices that are interconnected.

Home Theater System
An audio/video system consisting of a television 25" or larger, an audio amplifier capable of decoding four or more separate channels of surround sound signals, a high-fi video playback component such as a VCR or DVD player and at least 4 speakers.

HVAC
A common acronym for the environmental systems in your home; heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Infrared (IR)
A way for a home control system to send signals from the main control unit to the different devices it wants to control. Infrared signals must have a clear line of sight between the user interface and the item to be controlled. The most common type of IR controller is a remote control.

Internet Lifestyle
An Internet Lifestyle is when high-speed, always-on Internet connectivity enhances a consumer's quality of life. People will adapt to Internet solutions that best fit their individual needs. For example, having the Internet throughout the home enables a new generation of home Internet services, such as streaming audio/video for entertainment and learning, remote diagnostics, energy and security monitoring, personal and family communication, and simultaneous Internet access from multiple personal computers or Internet appliances. These enhanced services will bring new levels of comfort, convenience and security to consumers and are the foundation of the Internet Lifestyle.

Network
A system of connected hardware and software that allows sharing of storage devices, peripherals and applications. Networks can be connected directly by cable connections or indirectly by the use of telephone lines or satellites.

Passive Device
A passive device monitors existing energy that occurs naturally in the area where we expect an intruder to move. Passive devices do not create the energy they monitor. An example is the passive infrared motion detector often referred to as a PIR.

Powerline-Based Carrier
The ability for a home control system to transmit commands to devices via the electrical cabling in the house.

Residential Gateway
A residential gateway provides broadband connectivity to the home and distributes that access throughout the home. The broadband connection could be cable, DSL, satellite, or wireless. With a home networking technology such as Home Phone Networking Alliance (HomePNA), the broadband access is shared by multiple devices without installing new wiring. A residential gateway allows users to communicate via data, voice, and video over a single broadband connection. In addition to connecting computers, telephones, and fax machines, users will be able to network smart appliances such as digital video disc (DVD) players, digital cameras, security systems, climate controllers, lights, utility meters, and kitchen appliances.

Structured Wiring
Structured wiring consists of a connection box, software, and a cabling system of voice, data, video and other low voltage wires that are bundled together and sent to specific rooms in the house. Electronic devices can be plugged into this system and networked both within the home and through the Internet via a residential gateway.

Surround Sound
Surround Sound, also known in the newer format of Dolby AC-3. This is one of the newest methods of delivering surround sound into the home. By using special digital coding techniques, Dolby AC-3 delivers six discrete tracks of audio (often called 5.1 channels) from one digital signal. These discrete channels are Left, Center, and Right in the front, Left and Right Surround, and a Low Frequency Effects (the 0.1) channel to provide the extra boom found in many action films. A powered subwoofer typically creates this sound.