Remote access via 3G

[Mier]

I use a 3G datacard almost permanently in a PC at home. It's provisioned with the 'unrestricted' APN.

I now want to start using this datacard and PC for remote access to home whenever I want.
The idea would be to set up
1) a Home Automation system (Lights, Irrigation Computer etc.).
2) Security System (Webcams etc.).
3) Access my Media Center PC (remotely to start recording a TV broadcast etc.)


The first question I have, to get me started is, what is the simplest way to notify me when the IP address change ? (DynDNS ? e-mail ? Does Vodacom have a SMS notification service ?)

I would also be interested to hear what other people are doing.

Thanks

 

[ic]

DynDNS is the place to start.

 

[vodacom3g]

DynDNS is the place to start.

And to end

It works perfectly and products like the 3G router supports it directly, so you never need to worry about changing IP's.

Mier, I've been doing exactly what you want to do, for around 5 years. I do full home control, including lights, security, CCTV, etc. and find the 384K upload on HSDPA to work very well. Even on EDGE/GPRS you can still do full control, although streaming becomes slow. But CCTV at a 2 second frame rate is very usable.

You can get more info on the link in my sig.

 

[Mier]

And to end

It works perfectly and products like the 3G router supports it directly, so you never need to worry about changing IP's.

Mier, I've been doing exactly what you want to do, for around 5 years. I do full home control, including lights, security, CCTV, etc. and find the 384K upload on HSDPA to work very well. Even on EDGE/GPRS you can still do full control, although streaming becomes slow. But CCTV at a 2 second frame rate is very usable.

You can get more info on the link in my sig.

Thanks. I'm only just starting with this, I'm sure I'll have loads more questions.
I prefer an encrypted connection, is the built-in Windows VPN server sufficient or do you recommend something else ?

 

[vodacom3g]

Thanks. I'm only just starting with this, I'm sure I'll have loads more questions.
I prefer an encrypted connection, is the built-in Windows VPN server sufficient or do you recommend something else ?

I'm sure it'll be fine. (although I use a Linux box for my comms management) You can also set the router up to do the tunnelling.

Whatever you do, don't use a PC to do any mission critical control. You'll live to regret it!

 

[Mier]

Whatever you do, don't use a PC to do any mission critical control. You'll live to regret it!

I want to start small and grow it slowly. It's an existing house, so it'll be more difficult to integrate than during construction.

I thought I'd start with the Harmony home automation plug-in for my Windows Media Center and a couple of X10 modules.