Controlling Your Shelly Devices with Authentication: A Scripting Solution
Shelly devices are popular for their versatility and affordability in smart home automation. However, their security can be a concern if not properly managed. This article explores how to script authentication for your Shelly devices, enhancing security and making your smart home even more robust.
The Problem:
Shelly devices, while generally secure, can be susceptible to unauthorized access if not properly configured. This can lead to unintended actions or even compromise your home network.
The Solution:
The most effective way to secure your Shelly devices is to implement authentication. This prevents anyone other than authorized users from controlling the device. While Shelly offers built-in user management, scripting offers flexibility and control over the authentication process.
A Sample Script:
Let's consider a basic script example using Python and the Shelly API:
import requests
shelly_ip = "192.168.1.100" # Replace with your Shelly device IP
shelly_username = "your_username" # Replace with your Shelly username
shelly_password = "your_password" # Replace with your Shelly password
def turn_on_shelly(device_id):
"""Turns on a Shelly device with authentication."""
url = f"http://{shelly_ip}/settings/auth"
data = {
"username": shelly_username,
"password": shelly_password,
}
response = requests.post(url, json=data)
if response.status_code == 200:
# Authentication successful
url = f"http://{shelly_ip}/devices/{device_id}/relay/0"
data = {"on": "on"}
response = requests.post(url, json=data)
if response.status_code == 200:
print(f"Shelly device {device_id} turned on successfully")
else:
print(f"Error turning on device {device_id}")
else:
print(f"Authentication failed.")
# Example usage:
turn_on_shelly("shelly_device_id")
This script demonstrates the key steps:
- Authentication: The script first sends an authentication request to the Shelly device using your username and password.
- Device Control: Upon successful authentication, the script can then interact with the device, in this case, turning the relay on.
Beyond the Basics:
While this example provides a starting point, you can expand the script to handle various functionalities:
- Multiple devices: Modify the script to control multiple Shelly devices.
- Different actions: Implement functions for turning off, dimming lights, controlling sensors, etc.
- User management: Integrate user management features for different access levels and permissions.
- Webhooks: Trigger scripts based on events happening on your Shelly devices.
Security Considerations:
- Store your credentials securely: Avoid hardcoding sensitive information directly in your script. Use environment variables or secure storage methods.
- Regular updates: Keep your Shelly devices and software updated for the latest security patches.
- Network security: Secure your home network with a strong password and enable firewall protection.
Conclusion:
By implementing authentication via scripting, you can significantly enhance the security of your Shelly devices and control them with confidence. Remember, always prioritize security practices when working with smart home devices to ensure a safe and reliable environment.
Resources:
- Shelly API Documentation: https://shelly-api-docs.shelly.cloud/
- Shelly Community Forums: https://community.shelly.cloud/
- Python Requests Library: https://requests.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
