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Top 5 Myths for Securing a Wifi network

If you want to use a mobile device in your automation system, you are going to need to use Wifi for the simple fact that most mobile devices do not support a physical Ethernet connection to your network.

Adding Wifi is often seen as a security risk. Not done right, it can be; done right, it need not be.

Like many technolgies, Wifi has matured and become more robust. That said, poor advice still circles the web on how to secure your Wifi network that simply doesn't work anymore. Let's take a look at a few myths about securing Wifi that need busting, and what techniques we can use to bust them.

Topics: groov, Internet of Things, Remote monitoring, Electronics, Tips, IoT, Networking

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Security is a trade-off between easy to use and secure.

In this blog we are going to take a look at a method of security that is often overlooked and yet can make a system a lot more secure.

The humble password.

For years we have all been taught to use a password that is a mix of letters and symbols. But should we rather be using a passphrase?

Which is better to use and why?

Topics: groov, Internet of Things, Tips, IoT, Networking

So much more than video:

One of my all-time favorite groov features is the Video Camera gadget.

The gadget is pretty interesting as it's simply an image placeholder. Just point the gadget at a URL that resolves in an image and the gadget will display it and update it.

Of course, for an IP video camera, this usually means a JPG image. The groov user's guide has a nice section down the back that will help you get your camera showing up in groov, so be sure to check it out.

If you're interested in some other uses for the gadget, then read on and let's have some fun!

Topics: Videos, groov, Internet of Things, Remote monitoring, Electronics, IoT

groov 3.0 is available now! And here are two reasons to get excited about this easy-to-use tool for building and viewing your own mobile apps for automation:

- First, new features like events, notifications, and built-in simulated tags

- Second, new platform options with lower pricing for simple remote installations and machine builders/OEMs

Topics: groov, Updates, optonews, OptoNews 2015-05-21

Introducing 3 new groov platforms with lower prices for OEMs, machine builders, and simple remote installations, in addition to platforms for more complex monitoring and control:

• groov Solo
• groov Plus
• groov Enterprise

Topics: groov, Updates, optonews, OptoNews 2015-05-21

We've just released PAC Project software 9.4008, an important update that eliminates a security vulnerability recently identified in OptoOPCServer (specifically in OPC Test Client, a separate application previously included with OptoOPCServer.)

Topics: Updates, optonews, OptoNews 2015-05-21

You already know that the OptoForum is a great place to get your questions asked and answered. 

It's also a great place to learn about using tables, subroutines, and pointers in PAC Control; built-in protocols like SNMP in SNAP PAC controllers; and more. 

The new forum called 101 Mini-Lessons gets you started learning about a variety of subjects:

Topics: Tips, optonews, PACs, OptoNews 2015-05-21

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Nothing like a cold shower to get you moving:

Most of us never give any thought to our hot water service pilot flame. But when it goes out...cold shower first thing in the morning, anyone?

Bleh.

The first time it happened, I simply re-lit the pilot and showered with cold water. After the third cold shower, I knew it was time to be a little more proactive!

Topics: Energy management, groov, Internet of Things, Remote monitoring, Water & wastewater, Electronics, Tips, IoT, Machine builder

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Get a mop, I spilt some electricity:

The past few blogs we have talked about visualizing water usage in groov and how it not only helped me save water, but also highlighted the fact that I was not seeing all the water use I thought I was.

Electricity is a bit different from most other things. Spill water on the floor and it's pretty obvious; spill electricity and often no one is the wiser.

Was I seeing all the power use in my house? Are there any so-called phantom loads (sometimes called vampire loads) sucking or sipping power that I did not know about?

Topics: Energy management, groov, Internet of Things, Remote monitoring, Electronics, IoT

If you've already got your groov, make sure it's activated and back up your project.

If you don't have groov yet, you'll definitely want it now.

Get ready for some great new features in groov 3.0, available soon. Here's a preview of just a few:

Topics: groov, Updates, optonews, OptoNews 2015-04-29