From 0daabe126e670278f9570fc3d51eecab9fec3113 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2023 19:02:22 -0500 Subject: [PATCH] [DOCS] Add RF gateway explanation (#1748) * [DOCS] Add RF gateway explanation * Add info about receiving and transmitting capabilities --- docs/use/rf.md | 22 +++++++++++++++++++++- 1 file changed, 21 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/docs/use/rf.md b/docs/use/rf.md index 5fe36a2f4c..cccccf3cd6 100644 --- a/docs/use/rf.md +++ b/docs/use/rf.md @@ -3,7 +3,27 @@ title: 433Mhz MQTT Gateway description: Unlock the potential of RF 433 MHz technology with our universal gateway. Decode signals from various devices, and integrate seamlessly with MQTT systems and controllers like Home Assistant and OpenHAB. --- -# RF gateways (433mhz/315mhz) +# RF gateways (433mhz/315mhz/868mhz/915mhz) + +## What is an RF gateway + +An RF (Radio Frequency) gateway is a device that facilitates communication between RF devices and other communication protocols, such as MQTT in this context. Operating at specific frequencies like 433MHz, 315MHz, 868MHz, and 915MHz, these gateways can receive signals from various RF devices, decode them, and then forward the decoded data to systems like Home Assistant, OpenHAB, or any other MQTT-based system. + +The primary advantage of using an RF gateway is its ability to bridge the gap between the world of RF devices, which might include sensors, remote controls, and other RF-based gadgets, and modern smart home systems or applications. This enables users to integrate a wide range of devices into their smart home setup, even if those devices were not originally designed for such integration. + +In the context of the 433MHz MQTT Gateway, the device not only decodes RF signals but also allows for seamless integration with MQTT systems. This means that signals from RF devices can be easily published to MQTT topics, and likewise, MQTT messages can be translated into RF signals for transmission. This two-way communication capability makes the gateway a powerful tool for expanding the capabilities of both RF devices and MQTT systems. + +OpenMQTTGateway leverages several libraries for RF communication: +| Library | Description | Device Support | Resource Requirements | Flexibility | Integration Capabilities | +|-|-|-|-|-|-| +| RTL_433 | Maintained and performant library supporting receiving 433Mhz but also other frequencies (does not support sending)| Wide range of devices | Moderate | Decodes various protocols | Can be integrated with systems supporting Home Assistant Auto Discovery| +| RCSwitch | Arduino library for 433MHz module communication. | Basic devices | Lightweight | Basic encoding and decoding | Basic integration | +| Pilight | Open-source solution for device control and data retrieval. | Broad range of devices and protocols | Moderate | Offers raw and protocol-specific data handling | Structured data | +| RF2 | Library focused on KaKu devices and protocol. | Specific devices and protocols| Lightweight | Decoding and encoding capabilities | Basic integration | + +::: info +RTL_433 library can only receive data, RCSwitch, PiLight, RF2 can receive and transmit. +::: ## RTL_433 device decoders