Stories with Tag Internet of Things

• The Miserable State of Modems and Mobile Network Operators

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  Posted: 2025-02-26 11:55:26

  Verbose tl;dr

  The blog post "The Miserable State of Modems and Mobile Network Operators" laments the frustrating developer experience of integrating cellular modems into IoT projects. It criticizes the opaque and inconsistent AT command interfaces, the difficult debugging process due to limited visibility into modem operations, and the complex and often expensive cellular data plans offered by MNOs. The author highlights the lack of standardized, developer-friendly tools and documentation, which forces developers to wrestle with legacy technologies and proprietary solutions, ultimately slowing down IoT development and hindering innovation. They argue for a simplified and more accessible ecosystem that empowers developers to leverage cellular connectivity more effectively.

  The blog post "The Miserable State of Modems and Mobile Network Operators," published on Golioth's website, delivers a scathing critique of the current landscape of cellular modem integration for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The author meticulously outlines the numerous frustrations and complexities encountered when attempting to establish reliable and efficient cellular connectivity for IoT devices, placing the blame squarely on both modem manufacturers and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

  The central argument revolves around the inherent difficulty in navigating the fragmented ecosystem surrounding cellular modems. The author argues that the process, from selecting a suitable modem to successfully deploying it in the field, is riddled with opaque documentation, inconsistent implementations of standards, and a general lack of user-friendliness. Specifically, the blog post criticizes the convoluted AT command set, highlighting its historical baggage and the inconsistencies between different modem models, even those from the same manufacturer. This lack of standardization forces developers to write bespoke code for each modem, thereby hindering scalability and increasing development time and costs.

  Furthermore, the post laments the inadequate documentation provided by modem manufacturers. The author contends that the available documentation is frequently incomplete, outdated, or simply inaccurate, making it a significant hurdle for developers seeking to understand the nuances of a particular modem's behavior. This opacity extends to the realm of firmware updates, which are often shrouded in mystery and difficult to apply, potentially leading to unresolved bugs and security vulnerabilities.

  The criticism extends beyond modem manufacturers to encompass Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) as well. The author points to the often arbitrary and obscure restrictions imposed by MNOs regarding data usage, SIM card activation, and network access. These limitations, combined with the complexities of negotiating data plans and managing SIM card lifecycles, further complicate the already challenging process of deploying cellular-connected IoT devices. The author specifically highlights the difficulties in obtaining and maintaining static IP addresses, a crucial requirement for many IoT applications.

  The blog post also touches upon the issue of security, expressing concerns about the potential vulnerabilities inherent in cellular modems. The lack of transparency and the difficulty in applying firmware updates exacerbate these security concerns, leaving IoT devices potentially exposed to malicious actors.

  In conclusion, the author paints a bleak picture of the current state of cellular modem integration for IoT applications. The fragmented ecosystem, coupled with inadequate documentation, inconsistent implementations, and arbitrary restrictions imposed by MNOs, creates a significant barrier to entry for developers seeking to leverage the power of cellular connectivity. The post implicitly calls for greater standardization, improved documentation, and more transparent practices from both modem manufacturers and MNOs to facilitate the wider adoption and successful deployment of cellular-connected IoT devices.

  • modems
  • mobile networks
  • cellular networks
  • MNOS
  • mobile network operators
  • IoT
  • Internet of Things
  • connectivity
  • telecom
  • Telecommunications
  • Wireless
  • Cellular IoT
  • SIM cards
  • eSIM
  • iSIM

  Summary of Comments ( 0 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43182854

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News commenters largely echoed the author's frustrations with cellular modem integration. Several shared anecdotes of flaky connectivity, opaque documentation, and vendor lock-in issues, particularly with Quectel and SIMCom modems. Some pointed to the lack of proper abstraction layers as a core problem, hindering software portability. The difficulty in obtaining certifications for cellular devices was also highlighted, with some suggesting this complexity benefits larger established players while stifling smaller innovators. A few commenters suggested exploring alternatives like the Nordic Semiconductor nRF91 series or using a Raspberry Pi with a USB cellular dongle for simpler prototyping, while others called for more open-source initiatives in the cellular modem space. Several also discussed the challenges with varying cellular carrier regulations and certification processes internationally. The general sentiment was one of agreement with the article's premise, with many expressing hope for improved developer experience in the future.

  The Hacker News post "The Miserable State of Modems and Mobile Network Operators" generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters sharing their own experiences and perspectives on the challenges of working with cellular modems and mobile network operators (MNOs).

  Several comments echoed the author's frustrations with the opaque and complex nature of cellular technology. One commenter lamented the difficulty in finding clear documentation and the lack of standardization across different modems and networks. This sentiment was reinforced by another who described the process of integrating cellular connectivity as a "nightmare," citing inconsistent APIs and the need for extensive trial and error.

  The issue of vendor lock-in was also raised, with commenters expressing concerns about being tied to specific modem manufacturers and MNOs. This was particularly problematic for those working on IoT projects, where flexibility and interoperability are crucial.

  A few comments offered alternative perspectives. One commenter suggested that the complexity of cellular technology is inherent due to the stringent requirements of reliability and security in a wireless environment. Another pointed out the significant improvements in cellular technology over the past few years, particularly with the advent of newer standards like LTE-M and NB-IoT, suggesting the author's experience might be specific to older technologies or particular vendors.

  There was some discussion around the challenges of managing SIM cards and data plans for large deployments of IoT devices. Commenters mentioned difficulties with provisioning SIM cards, managing data usage, and dealing with varying roaming agreements across different countries.

  Some practical suggestions were also offered. One commenter recommended using virtual SIMs (eSIMs) to simplify the process of managing connectivity for IoT devices. Another suggested working with specialized connectivity providers that offer a more streamlined and developer-friendly experience.

  Finally, a few comments touched upon the broader issue of the telecommunications industry's structure and its impact on innovation. One commenter argued that the lack of competition among MNOs has stifled innovation and led to higher prices and poorer service for consumers.

  While the comments largely agreed with the author's premise about the difficulties of working with modems and MNOs, they also provided a nuanced view, acknowledging the complexities of cellular technology and offering some practical solutions and alternative perspectives. The discussion highlighted the need for greater transparency, standardization, and developer-friendliness in the cellular connectivity space, especially as the demand for IoT devices continues to grow.

• A vending machine, on the internet

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  Posted: 2025-02-18 20:47:51

  Verbose tl;dr

  The blog post "A vending machine, on the internet" explores the concept of building a virtual vending machine using readily available web technologies. It details the author's project, which combines a physical interface (buttons and a display) with a web backend to simulate a real-world vending machine experience. The project uses a Raspberry Pi to control the physical components and communicates with a web server to manage inventory, process transactions, and deliver virtual "goods" like access codes or digital downloads. The post highlights the simplicity and accessibility of building such a project with tools like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python, showcasing a fun and practical application of web development beyond traditional websites.

  This blog post, entitled "A vending machine, on the internet," delves into the intriguing conceptualization and subsequent realization of a physical vending machine controlled entirely via the internet. The author meticulously details their journey, commencing with the genesis of the idea itself. They articulate their fascination with the juxtaposition of a tangible, real-world object, a vending machine in this instance, being manipulated and interacted with through the ephemeral and intangible realm of the internet. This juxtaposition, they argue, presents a compelling exploration of the blurring lines between the digital and physical worlds.

  The post then proceeds to elaborate on the technical intricacies involved in bringing this vision to life. The author painstakingly outlines the hardware components employed, including the specific model of the vending machine utilized, the Raspberry Pi chosen as the central processing unit, and the assorted electronic components necessary for interfacing the physical mechanisms of the vending machine with the digital commands received over the internet. They discuss the challenges encountered in adapting the existing vending machine hardware to their purposes, including the reverse-engineering of the control board and the implementation of custom circuitry.

  Furthermore, the author provides a comprehensive explanation of the software architecture implemented. This includes details on the web server setup, the communication protocols used for transmitting data between the server and the Raspberry Pi embedded within the vending machine, and the logic implemented to handle user interactions and translate them into physical actions within the machine. They discuss the security considerations taken into account to prevent unauthorized access and control of the vending machine, a critical aspect given its internet connectivity.

  The culmination of this intricate blend of hardware and software, the author explains, allows users to remotely select and purchase items from the vending machine through a dedicated web interface. This interface, they describe, provides a visual representation of the vending machine's contents and allows users to interact with it much like they would with a physical machine, albeit through the medium of the internet. The author concludes by reflecting on the successful execution of their project, highlighting the satisfaction derived from bridging the gap between the digital and physical realms and realizing their initial vision of a vending machine accessible and operable from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. They further touch upon the potential for future development and expansion of the project, leaving the reader with a sense of the ongoing evolution of this unique intersection of the physical and digital.

  • Vending Machine
  • Internet of Things
  • IoT
  • Remote Control
  • Web Interface
  • Hardware Hacking
  • DIY Electronics
  • Embedded Systems
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Microcontroller
  • Automation
  • Real-Time Systems
  • Remote Monitoring
  • web application

  Summary of Comments ( 66 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43094895

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users generally expressed enthusiasm for the internet-connected vending machine project. Several praised the creator's ingenuity and the "whimsical" nature of the project. Some commenters discussed the technical aspects, focusing on the use of a Raspberry Pi and the potential vulnerabilities of exposing such a device to the internet. Others shared similar personal projects, like controlling Christmas lights remotely. A few raised concerns about security and the practicality of the setup, questioning the real-world use cases beyond a fun experiment. There was also a short discussion about the cost-effectiveness of the hardware choices.

  The Hacker News post "A vending machine, on the internet" (linking to an article about controlling a real vending machine through the web) generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focused on the security implications and the novelty of the project.

  Several commenters expressed concern about the security of the system. One pointed out the potential for abuse if someone were to discover the IP address, leading to unauthorized dispensing of snacks. Another highlighted the lack of authentication beyond the IP address, making it vulnerable if the IP were to become public. The discussion touched on the possibility of using a VPN for added security but also acknowledged the potential complexities and limitations of that approach.

  Some commenters were intrigued by the technical aspects. One asked about the specifics of the hardware and software used to control the vending machine. Another inquired about the latency between issuing a command and the machine dispensing the item. There was also discussion about the potential for using this as a foundation for a more robust and secure system, suggesting alternative hardware and software choices for improved reliability and security.

  A few comments focused on the novelty and fun factor. One commenter simply expressed their enjoyment of the project. Others discussed the potential for similar projects and brainstormed fun applications.

  While some questioned the practicality of the project, the general sentiment seemed to be one of appreciation for the ingenuity and the interesting technical challenge it represented. No one explicitly criticized the project as pointless, but rather focused on the security flaws and potential improvements. The discussion remained mostly technical and constructive, without delving into lengthy debates or personal attacks. The overall tone suggests that commenters found the project interesting, albeit with room for improvement in terms of security and robustness.

• NAT Is the Enemy of Low Power Devices

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  Posted: 2025-02-10 19:12:36

  Verbose tl;dr

  Network Address Translation (NAT) presents significant challenges for battery-powered IoT devices aiming for low power consumption. Because devices behind NAT can't be directly addressed from the outside, they must maintain persistent outbound connections to receive data, negating the power-saving benefits of sleep modes. Techniques like keep-alive messages or frequent polling to maintain these connections consume significant energy. This post advocates for solutions that bypass NAT, such as IPv6 with its vast address space enabling globally routable unique addresses for each device, or by employing intermediaries like a message broker positioned outside the NAT. These approaches allow devices to initiate communication only when necessary, drastically reducing power consumption and extending battery life.

  The blog post "NAT Is the Enemy of Low Power Devices" on golioth.io elaborates on the significant challenges Network Address Translation (NAT) presents to Internet of Things (IoT) devices, particularly those operating under low-power constraints. The core argument revolves around the inherent incompatibility between NAT's design, which assumes client-initiated connections, and the operational requirements of many battery-powered IoT devices that need to receive inbound data efficiently.

  The author meticulously explains that conventional internet communication relies on devices having globally unique IP addresses. NAT, commonly implemented in home and enterprise networks, allows multiple devices to share a single public IP address, conserving the limited pool of IPv4 addresses. This is achieved by mapping internal private IP addresses to the public IP address and maintaining a translation table to route incoming traffic correctly. However, this mechanism typically requires the internal device to initiate an outbound connection first, establishing a mapping entry in the NAT table, before external services can reach it.

  This poses a serious problem for low-power devices, as maintaining an active connection for inbound data consumes considerable energy. Keeping the radio active and regularly sending "keep-alive" messages to maintain the NAT mapping defeats the purpose of power-saving sleep modes. The article highlights the trade-off between responsiveness and battery life, forcing developers to choose between promptly receiving data and extending battery longevity.

  The blog post further explores the difficulties in implementing workarounds like port forwarding and hole punching. Port forwarding, while a viable solution, requires manual configuration on the router and exposes security vulnerabilities. Hole punching, a technique involving both the device and a server connecting to a third-party rendezvous server to establish a direct connection, is described as complex and unreliable, especially behind symmetric NATs.

  As a potential solution, the article advocates for protocols specifically designed for constrained devices, such as CoAP and MQTT, which operate over UDP and offer features like publish-subscribe messaging, reducing the need for constant connections. These protocols, combined with cloud services designed for IoT, can bypass the limitations of NAT by leveraging always-on cloud servers as intermediaries. The server maintains a persistent connection, acting as a bridge between external services and the low-power device, relaying messages efficiently while allowing the device to remain in a low-power state. In conclusion, the author emphasizes that addressing the NAT problem is crucial for the widespread adoption and efficient operation of low-power IoT devices, urging for greater consideration of NAT's implications in the design and deployment of such devices.

  • NAT
  • Network Address Translation
  • Low Power Devices
  • IoT
  • Internet of Things
  • UDP
  • TCP
  • Firewall
  • networking
  • connectivity
  • Embedded Systems
  • Power Consumption
  • Battery Life
  • CoAP
  • MQTT

  Summary of Comments ( 83 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43003999

  Verbose tl;dr

  Several commenters on Hacker News discussed the challenges of NAT traversal for low-power devices, agreeing with the article's premise. Some suggested solutions like using a TURN server or a lightweight VPN, while others pointed out the benefits of IPv6 in eliminating the need for NAT entirely. One commenter highlighted the trade-offs between power consumption and complexity when implementing these workarounds, and another mentioned the difficulty of managing NAT keepalives with devices that sleep frequently. The issue of scaling these solutions for a large number of devices was also raised. Several users shared personal anecdotes of struggling with similar NAT issues. One commenter proposed a simpler approach involving a central server that all devices could communicate with, bypassing direct peer-to-peer communication and thus avoiding NAT complications altogether.

  The Hacker News post "NAT Is the Enemy of Low Power Devices" generated several comments discussing the challenges of Network Address Translation (NAT) for low-power, battery-operated IoT devices.

  Several commenters agreed with the article's premise. One highlighted the inherent difficulty in establishing inbound connections to devices behind NAT, emphasizing the power consumption overhead associated with maintaining persistent connections or using techniques like keep-alives. They also mentioned the complexities introduced by Carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT), where multiple layers of NAT further complicate inbound connections.

  Another commenter pointed out the security implications of opening ports on a home router for these devices, suggesting that it exposes the entire local network to potential vulnerabilities. They advocated for cloud-based solutions like the one offered by Golioth (the article's author), where devices initiate outbound connections to a central server, eliminating the need for inbound port forwarding.

  The discussion also touched upon alternative approaches to circumvent NAT limitations. One commenter suggested using protocols designed for peer-to-peer communication, like WebRTC, which can establish connections even behind NAT. However, another commenter countered that WebRTC still requires a signaling server and might not be suitable for all low-power applications due to its relatively high overhead.

  Some commenters questioned the framing of NAT as the "enemy." They argued that NAT is a crucial part of the current internet infrastructure and that the real challenge lies in developing efficient protocols and architectures for IoT devices that can work within the constraints of NAT. They proposed solutions like using UDP hole punching or having devices establish outgoing connections to a central server.

  One commenter explored the specific challenges posed by CGNAT, noting the scarcity of IPv4 addresses and the consequent widespread deployment of CGNAT by internet service providers. They mentioned techniques like STUN (Session Traversal Utilities for NAT) and TURN (Traversal Using Relays around NAT) but acknowledged their limitations and complexity, particularly for low-power devices.

  Finally, a few commenters mentioned specific technologies and protocols, like MQTT and CoAP, which are commonly used in IoT and are designed to be efficient in low-power and bandwidth-constrained environments. They discussed how these protocols can be used in conjunction with cloud-based services to overcome the challenges posed by NAT.

• How I Use Home Assistant in 2025

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  Posted: 2025-01-24 14:51:33

  Verbose tl;dr

  This satirical blog post imagines Home Assistant in 2025 as overwhelmingly complex and frustrating. The author humorously portrays a smart home overrun with convoluted automations, excessive voice control, and constant notifications, highlighting the potential downsides of over-reliance on and over-complication of smart home technology. The fictional user struggles with simple tasks like turning on lights, battling unintended consequences from interconnected systems, and dealing with the ceaseless chatter of AI assistants vying for attention. The post ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of user-friendliness and simplicity even as smart home technology advances.

  In a speculative blog post titled "How I Use Home Assistant in 2025," Viktor Petersson paints a picture of his imagined smart home powered by a significantly evolved Home Assistant. His vision focuses on proactive automation and seamless integration, moving beyond simple reactive automations to a system that anticipates his needs and preferences.

  Central to his envisioned setup is an advanced "contextual awareness" engine within Home Assistant. This engine aggregates data from various sources – calendar events, location data, weather forecasts, and even biometric data like sleep patterns – to understand the household's current and predicted state. This allows for highly personalized and predictive automations. For example, the system automatically adjusts lighting and temperature based not only on time of day, but also on who is home, their predicted activities, and the external weather conditions.

  Petersson describes a scenario where, upon waking, his smart home anticipates his morning routine. The bedroom lights gradually brighten, mimicking a natural sunrise, while the bathroom floor heating activates. The kitchen coffee machine begins brewing his preferred coffee, and a personalized news summary, tailored to his interests and the day's schedule, is displayed on smart mirrors throughout the house. This automation extends throughout the day, adjusting the home environment for different activities like working from home, entertaining guests, or preparing for sleep.

  The blog post also details sophisticated integrations with external services and devices. Electric vehicle charging is optimized based on real-time energy prices and predicted usage. Grocery lists are automatically generated based on detected low supplies and upcoming meal plans, and deliveries are scheduled to arrive precisely when needed. Security is enhanced with intelligent surveillance systems that can differentiate between familiar faces and potential threats.

  Furthermore, Petersson envisions a more intuitive and natural interaction with his smart home. Voice control is refined to understand complex commands and contextual nuances, while augmented reality overlays provide interactive control over devices and information displays within the physical environment. He imagines using AR glasses to visualize energy consumption data overlaid on appliances or to adjust lighting parameters by simply gesturing towards a lamp.

  The entire system is presented as self-learning and adaptable, constantly refining its automation logic based on observed behaviour and user feedback. Petersson emphasizes the seamless integration of all these features, creating a cohesive and intelligent home environment that anticipates his needs and simplifies his daily life without requiring constant manual intervention. This speculative future emphasizes the potential for Home Assistant to evolve from a powerful home automation tool into a truly intelligent home management platform.

  • home assistant
  • smart home
  • Home Automation
  • Automation
  • 2025
  • Future of Smart Homes
  • Technology
  • IoT
  • Internet of Things
  • Home Assistant Configuration
  • Smart Home Technology
  • Home Assistant Tips
  • Home Assistant Tutorial

  Summary of Comments ( 157 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42813513

  Verbose tl;dr

  Commenters on Hacker News largely expressed skepticism towards the blog post's vision of Home Assistant in 2025, finding it too focused on complex automations for marginal convenience gains. Several pointed out the inherent unreliability of such intricate systems, especially given the current state of smart home technology. The reliance on voice control was also questioned, with some highlighting the privacy implications and others simply preferring physical controls. A few commenters expressed interest in specific aspects, like the local processing and self-hosting, but the overall sentiment leaned towards practicality and simplicity over elaborate, potentially fragile automations. Some found the described setup too complex and suggested simpler solutions to achieve similar results. The lack of significant advancements beyond current Home Assistant capabilities was also a recurring theme.

  The Hacker News post "How I Use Home Assistant in 2025" (linking to an article on the same topic) generated a moderate number of comments, many of which engaged thoughtfully with the author's vision and experiences.

  Several commenters expressed skepticism about the practicality and cost-effectiveness of the highly customized and integrated smart home setup described in the article. They questioned the return on investment for the significant time and financial resources required to implement such a system, particularly given the potential for instability, maintenance overhead, and vendor lock-in. Some argued that simpler, off-the-shelf solutions might offer a better balance between functionality and complexity for the average user.

  Others focused on the privacy implications of extensive home automation. They raised concerns about data collection by various devices and services, the potential for security vulnerabilities, and the reliance on cloud-based platforms. The discussion touched upon the trade-offs between convenience and privacy, with some suggesting that the benefits of a fully integrated smart home might not outweigh the risks to personal data.

  A few commenters praised the author's ingenuity and technical expertise, appreciating the detailed explanation of their setup and the insights into the potential of Home Assistant. They acknowledged the challenges involved in such projects but also emphasized the flexibility and control that can be achieved with a well-configured system. Some shared their own experiences with Home Assistant and other home automation platforms, offering alternative approaches and suggesting improvements to the author's design.

  There was also discussion about the future of smart homes and the role of artificial intelligence. Some envisioned a more seamless and intuitive experience, with AI-powered assistants anticipating user needs and proactively managing various aspects of the home environment. Others expressed reservations about the potential for over-reliance on automation and the loss of manual control.

  Finally, a recurring theme in the comments was the importance of user-friendliness and accessibility. Many argued that smart home technology should be designed to simplify daily life, not complicate it. They called for more intuitive interfaces, standardized protocols, and better integration between different devices and platforms to make smart homes more accessible to a wider range of users.