IoT Frameworks and Firmware

Internet of Things frameworks play a crucial role in developing IoT applications by providing integration systems for implementing home automation complemented with ready-to-use firmware for various hardware platforms. It allows the developers to create whole control systems and IoT devices without writing the entire software from scratch. This makes developing new ideas easier for non-experienced beginners and enthusiasts, in some situations, to modify the behaviour of devices available on the market. What is even more important is that they make it possible to integrate IoT equipment coming from different vendors. There are several IoT frameworks available, with popular home automation systems: Domoticz^[1], OpenHAB^[2], Home Assistant^[3], and ready-to-use firmware including Tasmota^[4], ESPHome^[5], ESPEasy^[6], and ESPurna^[7]. All kinds of firmware initially was developed for ESP8266 SoCs but now have been redesigned to support ESP32 and other hardware platforms. With the appearance of new microcontrollers by Beken and Realtec companies, new versions of firmware were created with OpenBeken^[8] as the example. Each of these firmware choices has its characteristics and use cases. They usually implement MQTT communication protocol and specific protocols used in popular home automation systems, including Domoticz, OpenHAB, and Home Assistant.

Tasmota
Tasmota is popular among IoT enthusiasts and developers who want complete control and customization over their devices. It supports a wide variety of sensors and output devices. Tasmota uses a web interface for configuration, making it easy to configure the hardware connection of the microcontroller and peripheral elements. Tasmota provides scripting capabilities, allowing users to define complex internal automation rules. The support for the MQTT protocol allows easy integration with home automation platforms. What is very important is that Tasmota has an active and supportive user community that constantly extends the software's possibilities, including support for ESP32-based devices.

ESPEasy
ESPEasy is designed for users who want a simplified IoT device configuration and automation approach. It offers a user-friendly web interface for configuring devices. It provides a set of pre-built plugins for everyday tasks and supports MQTT for integration with platforms like Domoticz and OpenHAB. ESPEasy has an active community, although not as active as Tasmota.

ESPHome
ESPHome is popular among Home Assistant users who want a seamless integration experience. It uses a YAML-based configuration, which is highly readable and well-documented. It's tightly integrated with Home Assistant, making it an excellent choice for users. The IoT node can be configured in the Home Automation system, automatically generating the proper firmware version with the final unit's configuration. ESPHome allows users to define device configurations, sensor readings, and automation straightforwardly. ESPHome users benefit from the Home Assistant community, providing strong support.

ESPurna
ESPurna is the least active but still interesting project. ESPurna supports MQTT for home automation systems integration and compatibility with Domoticz, Home Assistant, and other platforms.

OpenBeken
OpenBeken is the software created for the BK72xx series of SoCs based on Tasmota functionality.

The choice between Tasmota, ESP Easy, ESPHome, ESPurna and OpenBeken largely depends on the user's specific needs, selection of hardware platform, and familiarity with IoT device configuration. Table 1 presents hardware compatibility.

Node-RED ^[9] is an open-source, flow-based development tool and runtime environment designed for visual programming. IBM Emerging Technology Services initially developed it and is now part of the OpenJS Foundation. It can be used for any purpose that uses a flow-based programming model, which is especially useful for IoT (Internet of Things) and home automation applications.

Key aspects and features of Node-RED:

• Flow-Based Programming - Node-RED uses a flow-based programming paradigm where developers create applications by connecting nodes in a visual editor. Each node represents a data source, data output, or a specific function or task. Flows, defined as sequences of connected nodes, represent the logic and behaviour of the application.

• Visual Editor - Node-RED has a web-based visual editor, which makes it easy for users to create and edit flows. The editor provides a drag-and-drop interface for adding, configuring, and connecting nodes and flows to build applications visually.

• Extensible and Customizable - Node-RED has a wide range of pre-built nodes that can be used for various tasks but are also highly extensible. Users can install additional nodes from the Node-RED library, allowing for integration with various hardware devices, services, and protocols. It is also possible to create custom nodes with the functionality programmed in JavaScript.

• Integration Capabilities - Node-RED connects and integrates with various devices, platforms, and APIs. It has built-in nodes for MQTT, HTTP, WebSocket, and more. That's why it is popular in IoT and home automation.

• Debugging and Logging - Node-RED provides built-in debugging and logging capabilities, making it easier to troubleshoot and monitor the behaviour of your applications.

• Open Source - Node-RED is open source and has a vibrant and active community of users and developers. This community contributes to its development and maintains a repository of third-party nodes.

Node-RED is used in various applications, including home automation, industrial automation, data processing, and IoT solutions. Its visual approach to programming and extensive library of nodes make it a valuable tool for rapidly prototyping and building applications that involve data processing and automation.