Linux powers Zigbee-based home monitor (LinuxDevices) [LWN.net]

LinuxDevices looks at a Linux-powered wireless security system. "A British startup called AlertMe.com has introduced a remotely managed security system that runs off a Linux-driven Hub. The AlertMe Hub tracks various sensors via Zigbee, and then reports back to AlertMe.com's servers, which in turn relay alarm events to the customer via SMS or email. Costing $800 plus $23.50 a month, the system alerts remote customers to events such as an intruder or a fire, says the company. The battery-powered, ZigBee-enabled devices in the AlertMe network include door and window sensors and alarm detectors that listen for existing smoke or carbon monoxide alarms."

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Linux powers Zigbee-based home monitor (LinuxDevices)

Posted Mar 20, 2008 19:29 UTC (Thu) by pj (subscriber, #4506) [Link]

Another industry for linux to help bring into the modern world of commodity components and
interoperability. Yay!

Linux powers Zigbee-based home monitor (LinuxDevices)

Posted Mar 23, 2008 17:40 UTC (Sun) by Max.Hyre (subscriber, #1054) [Link]

I wonder how good the wireless encryption (if any) is? If it isn't, can you say Denial of Service?

(Yes, you're also allowed to say ``paranoid''.)

Linux powers Zigbee-based home monitor (LinuxDevices)

Posted Mar 24, 2008 23:57 UTC (Mon) by nlucas (subscriber, #33793) [Link]

Acording to this[1], 128-bit AES (if enabled).

[1] http://www.digi.com/support/kbase/kbaseresultdetl.jsp?id=...

Linux powers Zigbee-based home monitor (LinuxDevices)

Posted Mar 27, 2008 15:48 UTC (Thu) by pj (subscriber, #4506) [Link]

All wireless is subject to DoS by a stronger signal generator, it's called "interference" or
"jamming".  Wifi and old cordless phones DoS each other all the time.

Jamming

Posted Mar 28, 2008 20:04 UTC (Fri) by Max.Hyre (subscriber, #1054) [Link]

Well, yes. I was thinking of something more elegant and specific, one not affecting networks next door.

Linux powers Zigbee-based home monitor (LinuxDevices)

Posted Mar 27, 2008 7:03 UTC (Thu) by Cato (subscriber, #7643) [Link]

This is a really interesting system - since Zigbee is an open standard for mesh networking it
can cover quite large houses by placing their Lamp (also a Zigbee mesh router) in suitable
places.  More significantly, it's a very flexible system and involves no wiring at all, so
it's great for people who don't want to do lots of drilling, or are renting a house.