Low-Cost, Extensible and Open Source Home Automation Framework

The implementation of an IoT application usually depends on a framework, platform or ecosystem - of which there are many choices available, both closed- and open-source, each presenting their own vision. By reviewing a range of different options with respect to features, price and customisability it is shown that each provider tends to limit the available opportunities in their platform, either intentionally or unintentionally. Therefore an open-source framework with NodeRED at its core is developed and presented which imposes minimal constraints upon the user/developer, encourages novices to learn and safeguards the privacy of its users.

This approach is verified by building a demonstration system which is retrofitted to an old property and successfully provides heating system control and finger print entry. The use of heterogeneous nodes and the integration of 2 radio technologies serve to underscore the technological agnosticism and flexibility of this framework.