Method and apparatus for monitoring a movable barrier over a network

A method for checking the status of a movable barrier comprising the steps of:

• receiving from a network client over a network, a status request for a movable barrier;
• determining a status of the movable barrier;
• sending a status of the movable barrier over the network to the network client in response to the status request and;
• wherein the movable barrier comprises a barrier movement operator for controlling the movement of the barrier and the method comprises receiving a status change request from the network client and controlling movement of the barrier in response to the status change request.

An apparatus comprising:

• a barrier status monitor coupled to a movable barrier;
• and
• a network interface electronically connecting the barrier status monitor to a network;
• a controller coupled to the network interface and the moveable barrier;
• wherein the network interface responds to network conveyed requests by sending a status of the movable barrier over the network in response to a request for the status of the movable barrier;
• and
• wherein the network interface receives a status change request from the network and the controller responds to the status change request by moving the barrier.