Home automation gives you access to control devices in your home from a mobile device anywhere in the world. The term may be used for isolated programmable devices, like thermostats and sprinkler systems, but home automation more accurately describes homes in which nearly everything — lights, appliances, electrical outlets, heating and cooling systems — are hooked up to a remotely controllable network. From a home security perspective, this also includes your alarm system, and all of the doors, windows, locks, smoke detectors, surveillance cameras and any other sensors that are linked to it.

All home security systems work on the same basic principle of securing entry points, like doors and windows, as well as interior space containing valuables like art, computers, guns, and coin collections. Regardless of the size of your home, or the number of doors and windows or interior rooms a homeowner decides to protect, the only real difference is in the number of security components deployed throughout the home and monitored by the control panel.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

Many modern home security systems are controllable via smartphone apps. Systems with app compatibility are known as smart home security systems. Just don’t confuse a system’s smart capabilities with the method of professional monitoring it uses—the two are different. You can, for instance, have a smart security system and still get professional cellular alarm monitoring. There are several components in a security system that might be controllable with a smartphone or tablet. Here are some of the most popular smart security elements.

Smart lighting is becoming increasingly common, and it isn’t just convenient for everyday use—it also has major implications for home security. Gone are the days of having to worry about whether you forgot to leave a light on to make your home look occupied. With smart lighting, you can turn any light you choose on (or off) from your phone, no matter where you happen to be. You can also set and adjust timers for your lights remotely.

The humble smoke detector benefits quite a bit from smart technology. Not only can the individual alarms communicate with each other to notify you of fires faster, but many models also use voice alerts to let you know exactly which room the smoke is in. Depending on the model you get, you can also silence the alarm from your phone and receive alarm notifications while you’re away.

Smart cameras allow you to remotely activate and view your security camera feeds right on your phone. Some smart cameras can also detect movement and send alerts to your phone when a person enters a room.

Smart door locks let you lock your doors from anywhere, and certain models can unlock automatically when they detect you approaching. Some locks feature keypads and backup key slots just in case the electronic element isn’t working, while others are completely wireless and work exclusively via smartphone apps.

Many home security systems allow you to arm or disarm the security alarm from your smartphone, so you never need to worry about forgetting to set the alarm when you leave. Most providers have their own home security apps, and some are also compatible with universal apps.