Led By Nest, 'Thread' Might Be Most Promising IoT Initiative Yet 79
An anonymous reader writes Nest, Big A%@ Fans, Yale door locks, ARM, Freescale, Samsung and Silicon Labs launch the Thread Group, a standards initiative for using 6LoWPAN-based network technology with mesh capabilities optimized for home automation. Because it blends IPv6 with low-power 802.15.4 radios, a layer of security, peer-to-peer communications, and other special sauce for whole-house connectivity, Thread looks extremely promising in an increasingly crowded field. Plus, millions of units of enabled products are already deployed by way of Nest's little-known Weave technology.
There's a press release. Thread is based on open technology, but it's not clear that the protocol specifications will be available for non-members. No hardware changes are required for devices with 802.15.4 radios, and the group claims the new protocol fixes enough flaws in existing standards (mostly ZigBee) to be worth the software upgrade. Promises include increased reliability (mesh network with multiple routing points), lower power use (by not requiring sensors to wake up for traffic from other sensors), and easier bridging between the mesh network and Internet (thanks to using IPv6).
Re:WTF (Score:2, Insightful)
My cynical self translates it to "more security nightmares.", even with "banking class security" as touted:
That deadbolt might be cool that opens via BlueTooth... but the reason I use high security mechanical locks [1] is that some guy with a magnet can't wave it and open the lock, or the BT security had corners cut so someone can make a universal lock opener, similar to a TV-B-Gone, except for deadbolts.
That burglar alarm remote is cool as well... but I like having my remote change the door from going off instantly to a delay. That way, I have the ability to use a duress code. I also like not having someone with remote access set it off in the middle of the night.
The thermostat? Someone deciding to turn off the A/C, turn on the furnace, just so my pets overheat and die? No thank you.
The fire alarm? Someone deciding to hack it so it constantly calls the FD while I'm at work... no thank you.
The refrigerator? If someone can shut someone else's fridge off via the Internet, causing their food to spoil, they would.
Others can have their IoT. I'll continue to pull out my key and lock my front door, and take the time to push the silence button on my fire alarm if I burn something in the kitchen. Technology for technology's sake can do more harm than good.
[1]: The ideal is Abloy Protec2 + CLIQ for the keys. This way, even if someone were able to 3D scan/print my key, the CLIQ chip will keep the lock from opening. Not cheap, but insurance covers forcible entry... they don't cover entry via bumping/lockpicking.