Video surveillance data network

A method of managing a video surveillance data network, comprising:

• receiving data from a network-capable camera;
• registering the camera with a network management device;
• providing an identification number for the camera;
• transmitting video data from the camera across a network;
• screening requests for communication with the camera to only allow authorized users to access data from the camera.

A network device, comprising:

• means for allowing communication with at least one network-capable camera;
• means for allowing communication with a network;
• and
• means for:
• receiving video data from the network-capable camera;
• allowing the device to communicate the video data to a network;
• and
• receiving commands for the camera from the network and communicate them from the network.

An article of machine-readable code containing instructions that, when executed, cause the machine to:

• receive data from a network-capable camera;
• register the camera with a network management device;
• provide an identification number for the camera;
• transmit video data from the camera across a network;
• screen requests for communication with the camera to only allow authorized users to access data from the camera.

A video surveillance network, comprising:

• at least one network-capable camera;
• at least one network phone;
• at least one network device to:
• receive video data from the camera and transmit it across the network;
• receive voice data from the network phone and transmit it across the network;
• and
• at least one video monitor to allow viewing of the video data transmitted across the network.