Abstract:

The smart house concept contributes to the comfort of living, and is based on central or remote control of the main features in the residence, firstly automated lighting and heating / cooling. The goal is to achieve a manageable and energy-saving environment that will bring supervision and control closer to tenants.

Towards the end of their studies, electrical engineering students are encouraged to independently build functional devices or control systems, using the knowledge acquired through several courses during their studies. In this area, at the University North, it is knowledge from courses such as: Computer Networks, Programming languages and algorithms, Basics of electrical engineering, Computer structure, Electronic circuits, Basics of web programming...

This paper describes a student solution of the system that uses the Internet of Things (IoT) concept for monitoring in the management of a family home. The system consists of a network of WiFi microcontrollers that monitor and manage executive elements based on information collected from temperature sensors, humidity sensors, rain sensors, motion sensors, and push buttons. The collected information are stored in the database, enabling a graphic overview of the data history at any time. For remote control, a wireless local network in a star topology is used, through the Web interface on the local server. Communication between the controllable interface and the microcontroller is realized by the Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol. In case of disconnection, each element has the possibility of autonomously continuing to perform its task according to previously defined algorithms. System testing and analysis includes the entire concept from the mock-up house, communication, monitoring and management, either locally or via the web interface.

This solution also pointed out the issues of security, privacy, availability of information and the possibility of unwanted external influence on such systems. Microcontrollers often do not have enough power to implement security protocols, so communication between the user and the system itself is exposed to attacks. Further development, new insights and investments in IoT technology could make it accessible and widespread, with attention to security.

Keywords:

IoT concept, microcontroller, MQTT, smart house.