Hi All,
Looking to steer into HA, but have some questions on how data is handled.
First, I don’t mean the opt-in on the scant analytics. HA is very clear about that which is great. Awesome clear policy.
Second, I understand that “integrations”, which use a device manufacturer’s/services software/infrastructure, are outside scope here (although I do have some questions).
My goal is to find and work a system where no one knows when my lights are turning off and on, and is only on my hardware. IE: If the internet went down, but I was still connected to local wifi, can my HA still work?
The answer seems like a strong “yes”, but I want to double check. I also want to make sure if I do use an integration that there’s not an avenue for telemetry beyond that integration. IE: I don’t want Spotify to gain access to what temperature I keep my house just because I want to play music.
I also have questions about the mobile app, but if the rest is truly locked down, I can navigate that.
I currently have an automated bog garden, but how I did it isn’t really scalable. It’s all modbus components with values passed to a local server to generate a dashboard. I’d like to expand to more actual “home” automation, and this seems like a great tool!
Thanks for any clarification.
One of my main goals when setting up home automation was making sure the devices I’m using do not need cloud access. The only exception is an old Honeywell thermostat that I’ll replace eventually. Everything else, including security camera occupancy detection continues to work if the Internet goes down.
My router only has one open port and that’s for Wireguard. It’s set to a random port number and appears closed to external scanners so I believe my network security is reasonably good. Devices that like to connect to external servers like TP-Link cameras and bulbs are blocked by the router’s firewall.
For occasional external access I use Tasker to detect what network I’m on and then automatically connect to Wireguard when away from home. After the WG tunnel’s up it starts Home Assistant Companion. It’s not as seamless as Home Assistant Cloud, but for occasional use it’s fine.
Warning about Home Assistant: It’s ridiculously addictive. It is also so flexible that I’ve been able to implement almost anything that comes to mind and ended up with more sensors and automations than I ever thought I’d use.
oh this seems like the worst thing ever. I used to have a lot spaghetti stuff reporting. I did not need to be spending this kind of money on ESPs…