Many of today’s electronic security systems are being designed to operate on a communications/computer network – a new technological frontier for security companies! To help you understand both the intricacies of communication networks, as well as how security systems fit into the networked world, the editors present SDM NetWorkings, a new monthly column featuring excerpts from a forthcoming book written by SDM’s contributing technology editor, Dave Engebretson. SDM NetWorkings will cover topics, such as networking basics, Ethernet LANs, Wi-Fi LANs, IP addressing, video systems, access control systems, alarm interfacing, audio interfacing, and more. Stay tuned to this monthly column to increase your knowledge and improve your skills in this new field.