Designing Smart IoT Systems — From Hardware to Real-Time Dashboards.
Hardware. Firmware. Messaging. Backend. Real-time Web Dashboard — engineered end-to-end.
A personal and passionate IoT engineering lab by
The 5-Layer Architecture Behind Every Gadget
Every device at IotGrid follows a structured, layered architecture, forming a unified ecosystem where hardware, firmware, messaging, backend, and real-time interfaces are designed to work together seamlessly. This approach ensures reliability, scalability, interoperability, and full control over system behavior.
Hardware Layer
We design our systems around Espressif ESP32 development boards, integrating sensors, relays, and supporting circuitry and power sources like Li-ion batteries.
Each device begins as a breadboard prototype and evolves into a soldered perfboard assembly with proper power regulation, signal isolation, and clean wiring — transforming ideas into reliable hardware units.
Firmware Layer
Firmware is developed using the Arduino framework on ESP32, leveraging built-in WiFi/Zigbee capabilities and FreeRTOS task scheduling.
The result is responsive, network-aware embedded systems capable of operating reliably in real-world conditions.
Messaging Broker Layer
Devices communicate through an MQTT broker using a publish-subscribe architecture.
We use QoS 1 (at least once delivery) to balance reliability and performance, enabling consistent message exchange between distributed devices and backend services.
This layer decouples devices from application logic, allowing scalable system growth.
Backend Layer
The backend is built using Node.js with ExpressJS, connected to an SQLite database for device and user management.
It acts as an event-driven bridge between MQTT and WebSockets, enabling:
The backend ensures data integrity while maintaining real-time responsiveness.
Front Layer
The user interface is built using:
Nunjucks
Templating engine
TailwindCSS
Styling
StimulusJS
Interaction
Socket.io
Real-time communication
The dashboard at portal.iotgrid.org enables users to monitor devices, send commands, and receive live updates — powered by a real-time WebSocket connection to the backend.
Full Control. High Interoperability.
Because every layer of IoTGrid systems is designed in-house — from hardware and firmware to messaging, backend, and real-time interfaces — we maintain full control over system behavior and evolution.
This approach enables:
Seamless interoperability between devices — every gadget can communicate and respond to other devices in the ecosystem.
Automation through programmable workflows and scheduling — devices can follow cron-style routines, react to triggers, or run complex sequences without human intervention.
Fine-tuned system integration without platform constraints — you decide how devices behave and interact; no third-party lock-ins limit your design choices.
Flexibility to adapt and optimize as requirements evolve — firmware, messaging, and backend logic can be updated to improve performance or add new features.
Our Gadgets
A collection of real-world systems engineered using our 5-layer architecture.
Fingerprint Door Access System
ESP32 + R307 Fingerprint Sensor + Relay + MQTT + Real-time Dashboard
Water Tank Monitoring System
Ultrasonic Sensor + ESP32 + WiFi + Live Web Interface
Remote water level tracking with threshold-based alerts.
Light-Sensitive Smart Switch
LDR Sensor + ESP32 + Relay Control
Automatic lighting adjustment based on environmental conditions.
Temperature-Controlled Smart Fan
Temperature Sensor + ESP32 + Adaptive Speed Logic
Dynamic fan control using sensor-driven automation logic.
Smart Switch
ESP32 + Relay + Web Dashboard
Wifi controlled smart switch.
About IotGrid
IotGrid is an independent IoT engineering lab focused on designing and building complete smart systems from hardware to real-time web interfaces.
Created and maintained by Muhammad Abdullah Siddiqui, the lab reflects a passion for:
Let's Connect
Interested in discussing ideas, technical details, or automation solutions? Let's have a conversation.
IotGrid is a non-commercial experimentation lab. We're happy to have free discussions about:
- Technical details and architecture of our IoT systems
- Engineering discussions and system design
- Brainstorming automation solutions and problem-solving
- Sharing ideas and exploring possibilities
Important: This is a non-commercial discussion with zero commitment on either side. It's not a project takeover meeting or commercial consultation — just friendly technical conversations about IoT systems and automation challenges.
Prefer a different way to reach out? Connect on LinkedIn or check out our GitHub