WebThings Gateway

WebThings Gateway is a self-hosted web application designed for monitoring and controlling building automation and Internet of Things devices. It functions as an open source Web of Things gateway, allowing users to manage hardware and sensors through a web interface. The software provides a centralized hub where various IoT devices can be aggregated and monitored from a single location.

The software is primarily deployed as a server application. While it can be built from source on macOS, Fedora, and Ubuntu, the recommended installation method is via a Docker image. It is also compatible with Raspberry Pi hardware, including specific Wi-Fi setup code for Raspberry Pi OS, making it suitable for local building automation setups in a home or office environment.

Key features

• Web-based monitoring and control of IoT devices
• Support for Docker-based deployment
• Integration with a rules engine for automation
• Built-in addon manager for protocols like Zigbee and Z-Wave
• Support for custom SSL certificates or self-signed certificates
• Optional tunneling service for remote access via a web domain
• SQLite3 database for managing persistent data
• Push notification service for device alerts

The application is built using Node.js and utilizes a set of controllers and models to handle the business logic of device interaction. It includes a certificate manager for Let's Encrypt integration and a dedicated addon loader to extend functionality through plugins. The architecture utilizes Express middleware for authentication and includes specific platform utilities to handle hardware interactions, such as Bluetooth adapter permissions on Linux systems. This structure allows the gateway to interface with a wide variety of physical sensors and actuators while maintaining a consistent web-based management layer.

WebThings Gateway serves as a technical infrastructure for individuals and developers building custom home automation networks who require a self-hosted solution for device orchestration.