There are various free software packages to assist in home automation (smart homes, domotics). They are not all packaged for Debian but may run on Debian.
Notice that some of these systems are delivered as a runnable ISO "live" image, as an alternative to packages. Some people may find this beneficial while others prefer a package.
Here is a brief summary:
Product |
Package/ITP |
Language |
Notes |
Python |
|||
Python |
|||
C++/Qt/WebAssembly |
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Perl |
|
||
none yet |
Java |
||
none yet |
Javascript |
||
none yet |
Perl |
||
Liblightify (OSRAM light bulbs) |
|
|
|
none yet |
Java or C++ or Nodejs |
|
|
none yet |
any |
|
Related wiki pages:
X10 is a communications protocol mainly used for domotics |
Home automation is among the topics for the FreedomBox project. Some packages maintained by the project are listed at FreedomBox/LeavingTheCloud
Choose hardware
Interface hardware
Interface hardware connects the device running Debian (Raspbian, or similar) to the smart home devices using wires or a wireless protocol.
Much of the hardware has proprietary anti-features and cloud dependencies, here we try to summarize some hardware that is known to work easily without those hassles.
Protocol |
Device |
Details |
Zigbee |
pocock: tested with Raspberry Pi, Domoticz, Osram Smart+/Lightify bulb |
|
Z-Wave |
Aotec Z-Stick |
|
Multiple, e.g. X10 |
|
Network Technologies
Currently there is a great number incompatible basis technologies to network a smart home:
Technology |
Transmission |
Frequency (only Wireless) |
Encryption |
Proprietary |
Power Cable |
|
none |
no |
|
Wireless |
868 MHz |
AES-128 |
no |
|
Wireless |
868 MHz |
AES-128 |
no |
|
Wireless/Cable |
868,3 MHz |
AES Authentifizierung |
yes |
|
Power Cable |
|
none |
yes |
|
KNX-RF-RF |
Wireless |
868 MHz |
none |
no |
Power Cable |
|
none |
no |
|
Cable |
|
none |
no |
|
Cable (J-Y(ST)Y 2x2x0,8) |
|
none |
yes |
|
WLAN |
Wireless |
2.4 GHz, 5 GHz |
WPA(2), WEP or similar |
no |
Bluetooth |
Wireless |
2,4 GHz |
AES-128 |
no |
Wireless |
868–870 MHz |
AES-128 |
yes |
|
Wireless |
1880-1900 MHz |
AES |
no |
|
Cable |
|
none |
no |
|
Wireless |
868 MHz (SRD Band Europe), 915MHz (ISM Band Region 2) |
IPsec |
yes |
|
Cable |
yes |
|
|
|
ZigBeePro |
Wireless |
2.4 GHz, 868 MHz (depending on the implementation) |
AES-128 |
no |
Wireless |
315 MHz (Asia), 868 MHz (Europe, China), 902 MHz (USA, Canada), 928 MHz (Japan) |
AES-128 |
no |
Matching mobile applications
Android
F-Droid carries free open source applications available for Android devices. Their availability and matching existing Debian packages may be a good indicator of project advancement and maturity.
Community discussion
Other resources
Smart Home: Where to Start? - a blog by Daniel Pocock