A network apparatus for use with a plurality of network cameras includes a system housing with a network interface (wireless access point and/or network switch), a router, and processing means that are operably coupled to one another and integrally housed within the system housing. The network interface provides communication links between the apparatus and the network cameras. The processing means preferaby performs automatic connection and configuration operations that upload default configuration settings to the network cameras through said communication links. Such automatic configuration operations are preferably carried out as part of DHCP address assignment. The processing means also preferably performs video proxy operations that buffer a plurality of video signals and that read out and multiplex together portions of the buffered video signals to form a composite signal for subsequent communication over the Internet. The apparatus may also include one or more of the following components integrally housed within the system housing: a hard disk for dvr recording, a battery backup power source, non-volatile storage (e.g., compact flash memory or hard disk) for storing digital video signals during a battery backup power mode, a plulality of ports that interface to alarm sensors and other alarm devices for alarm monitoring and automatic notification, and VPN processing. The processing means preferably includes an embedded web server for the configuration of the apparatus and possibly the network cameras. Kits and systems utilizing the network apparatus is also described and claimed.