AN38 - NETIO and third-party mobile apps for Android (URL API, Telnet, Modbus)

Supported devices: NETIO 4All, PowerPDU 4C, PowerPDU 4PS, NETIO 4, PowerCable REST, PowerBOX 3Px, PowerDIN 4Pz, PowerBOX 4Kx, PowerPDU 8QS

The NETIO products company has created two apps for controlling its devices:

• NETIO Mobile – now obsolete.
• NETIO Mobile2
  • Finds devices in the local WiFi network.
  • Controls the outputs of all NETIO devices.
  • Configures WiFi connection parameters over NFC for certain products (PowerCable xxx / PowerDIN 4PZ)

However, to control various products by different producers from a mobile app, it is possible to use open APIs and control the NETIO socket devices from generic Android apps.

HTTP Request Shortcuts

• Price: Free
• Free version limitations: None
• Android version: Yes
• iOS version: No
  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ch.rmy.android.http_shortcuts

HTTP Request Shortcuts can be used to control NETIO smart sockets with HTTP GET and POST requests. In addition, HTTP Requests Shortcuts can also control NETIO smart sockets using the JSON API and XML API, thanks to the option to insert raw JSON and XML strings. The app is easy to use. Individual HTTP requests can be stored as buttons to make the control simpler and to save time.

The app has a user-friendly design and is completely free of charge. We definitely recommend giving HTTP Requests Shortcuts a try.

Advanced Rest API Client

• Price: Free
• Free version limitations: None
• Android version: Yes
• iOS version: No
  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.podpivas.restclient

Advanced Rest API Client is a free app that makes it easy to create HTTP requests. All HTTP methods are supported. The app can also control NETIO devices using JSON API and XML API. Advanced Rest API Client maintains a history of your requests and allows to organize them in collections (e.g. for individual NETIO devices).

On the downside, HTTP requests cannot be stored as buttons. And when you use the application for multiple devices, it can get a bit cluttered. Otherwise it is quite useful, and can be customized with a number of color styles.

Termius - SSH/SFTP and Telnet client

• Price: Free / Pro version $8.83
• Free version limitations: Bonus functions not available
• Android version: Yes
• iOS version: Yes
  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.server.auditor.ssh.client

Termius is a great app, one of the best in its category, if you want to control NETIO smart sockets over telnet. The free version of the app includes everything that is needed. The Pro version provides extra functions, such as SFTP, SSH and multiple concurrent terminals. Termius has a simple, user-friendly design. Hosts (NETIO devices) can be stored so that establishing a connection is even easier. The app does not allow storing an on/off command as a button; the command always needs to be entered in full. For this reason, we recommend it as a debugging tool, rather than a simple client for controlling the outputs.

Termux

• Price: Free
• Free version limitations: None
• Android version: Yes
• iOS version: No
  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.termux

Termux is a good tool for connecting to NETIO devices over Telnet. It features a friendly and concise design. Multiple connections can be stored. Moreover, it is completely free of charge.

NETIO Mobile 2

• Price: Free
• Limitations: Supports NETIO products only
• Android version: Yes
• iOS version: No
  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cz.netio.netio

NETIO Mobile App 2 is an app created directly by the producer of NETIO smart socket devices. However, it only supports NETIO devices and cannot be used with third-party products.

All types of NETIO devices can be added. The home page of the app shows all added NETIO devices.

NETIO Mobile shows the current output states (listed by device). Tap any output to switch it on or off.

Moreover, the app can also configure a NETIO device or display its info over NFC (if supported by the device).

The app does not support cloud services; your mobile phone must be connected to the same network.

There is no need to enable any M2M protocols in order to use NETIO Mobile App 2; the app communicates over the web interface.

Smart Home Security Solution with automation (AlarmM)

• Price: $7 for a licence
• Limitations: 2 hours to try the app without a license
• Android version: Yes
• iOS version: No
  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=graphtoweb.GoAlarmM

The AlarmM app (full name: Smart Home Security Solution with automation) connects IP video cameras and other devices together. Conditions can be defined to automatically send texts, dial numbers, send e-mails or take pictures with IP cameras.

Smart Home Security Solution with automation (AlarmM) supports full integration with NETIO devices. It allows controlling the NETIO smart sockets using configurable buttons, reading the immediate consumption, as well as configuring custom actions and triggers. Each button can have its own format and activate a different trigger. As an interesting feature, it can monitor the devices continuously (it runs even when the smartphone is in sleep mode).

The app can work with NETIO products via the Open API – Modbus/TCP or XML.

At first, when the user configures and starts the app for the first time, it may feel a bit cluttered.

Its biggest advantage is that it is very universal and supports a wide range of functions.

For more information:

http://graphtoweb.com/alarm/international/analog.en.html

MQTT Dash with NETIO products

IoT MQTT Panel with NETIO products

Modbus Viewer with NETIO products

If the value 4 looks surprising because one might expect 0 or 1, here is the list of actions supported by NETIO devices:

Actions with the output:

•  0 = Output switched off (Off)
•  1 = Output switched on (On)
•  2 = Output switched off for a short time (short Off)
•  3 = Output switched on for a short time (short On)
•  4 = Output switched from one state to the other (toggle)
•  5 = Output state unchanged (no change)

Many manufacturers use a similar method, usually called “http get”, “URL request” and so on.

>> For details about using URL API and creating the control string, see  AN19: URL API (http GET) protocol to control NETIO power outlets

>> Documentation to M2M protocol – URL API

Configuring URL API in NETIO power sockets

The URL API protocol needs to be enabled in the device. In the M2M API Protocols – URL M2M API section of the NETIO web interface, enable URL M2M API.

Set the Passphrase and click Save Changes. After saving the changes, the device restarts (about 1 minute).

FAQ

1) Where can I find information on how to set the URL API string?

All information about using the NETIO URL API can be found in AN19: URL API (http GET) protocol to control NETIO power sockets.

2) How can I use raw JSON?

Enable the JSON API M2M protocol for READ-WRITE on your NETIO smart socket device. For apps that can use raw JSON, set the HTTP method to HTTP POST, and copy the netio.json file that you wish to use for controlling your NETIO smart socket as a string into the Body parameter in the request settings.

4) When logging in to a NETIO smart socket device using telnet, the Termius app says 502 UNKNOWN COMMAND.

Repeat the login. Termius has a bug and sometimes the log in command needs to be repeated.