OpenRemote Controller is the brains of the ORB. It is written in Java and C with a modular architecture.
The role of the controller is to:
- Serve up UI interfaces to remotes, either as web UI or as a client-server setup for native user interfaces.
- Receive commands from the remotes (e.g act as a daemon server listening to incoming commands)
- Translate and route commands to integrated runtimes (e.g issue a KNX or X10 command)
The controller is designed to run on a Linux operating system (currently targeting Debian derivatives). While large parts of controller is running on a cross-platform Java runtime, specific integration areas and access to USB, serial and infrared are implemented in native code.
Modular Design
OpenRemote Controller is by definition an open ended environment designed to integrate with any automation protocol - be it infrared, X10, Insteon, ZigBee or KNX. The controller integrates with existing home automation equipment using:
- USB port(s)
- serial port(s)
- Ethernet
- Wifi (802.11 b/g/n)
All consumer brands offer at least one of the above media to access their devices or networks. OpenRemote Controller can act as a bridge between the vendor networks translating protocols between them and freeing you from a vendor lock-in. We do not intend to offer you yet another vendor specific solution to automating your home or a building, rather to take advantage of existing investment and products in the field and provide them with state-of-the-art tooling and software implementations. As long as you favorite product can communicate with one of the media listed above, it can be integrated with the ORB.
Supported Dialects
A parallel is to think of human language. We communicate with other via voice, text, that is the medium we discussed above. But what we say is the language, the dialect. In effect A controller is a translator of dialects, from the ORB esperanto to a target runtime. There are limitations as not all languages are the same. For example X10 and IR dialects have no notions of status feedback whereas Insteon, KNX and Crestron do.
Today we support the following device dialects
- X10: The grand-daddy of home automation protocols is much derided but millions of homes in the US are equiped with it. There is also a wealth of products that are compatible with X10. At OR, X10 is one of the first protocols we support.
- IR devices (Hex codes):
IR control is still, by and large a very popular solution for Audio and Video. The latest TV you bought may not have IP control or even a Serial protocol implemented but it certainly came with an IR remote. With a base configuration of the ORB you can unify all the remotes laying around on your table.
- KNX: KNX comes from a long line of industrial and commercial offerings. It is the dominant standard in Europe. It is making in-roads in the high-end residential market but is very expensive for most budgets. Its main advantage is a wide array of actuator and sensor vendors around the protocol. Work is ongoing on KNX.
- UPnP. The Universal Plug and Play protocol is supported in OR.
- Various proprietary products.
We want to hear from you
If you are looking to contribute a new product integration, we want to hear from you. By integrating with OR you buy yourself flexibility of panel displays and leverage other integrations allowing users and installers to immediately use the product you want supported in their existing installations.
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