Designing Smart IoT Systems — From Hardware to Real-Time Dashboards.
Hardware. Firmware. Backend. Real-time Web Dashboard — designed end-to-end.
A personal and passionate IoT lab by
The Five-Layer Ecosystem
Every device at IotGrid is built in five layers — hardware, firmware, messaging, backend, and the portal.
Hardware Layer
The physical gadget — sensors, relays, actuators, power, and an ESP32 at the core, built into customized assemblies.
Firmware Layer
Software written in C++ on the hardware that reads sensors, controls actuators, and stays online.
Messaging Broker Layer
mqtt.iotgrid.org — secure message hub between devices and the backend for readings and commands.
Backend Layer
api.iotgrid.org — backend for devices, storing device metadata, firmware versions, and sessions, and relaying live updates between devices and the front layer.
Front Layer
portal.iotgrid.org — dashboard for gadgets, commands, and live feedback.
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
Gadgets we built so far and how they solve real-world problems.
Fingerprint gate access
ESP32 + R307 fingerprint reader + Solid-state relay (SSR)
An ESP32 at the door verifies fingerprints and signals a second ESP32, which drives an SSR on the same circuit as the mechanical gate open button.
Read the case studyWater tank monitor
ESP32 + HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor
Ultrasonic sensor measures the empty height from the tank top down to the water surface; the system turns that into fill level for the dashboard.
Read the case studyWater tank monitor v2
ESP32 + HX710B pressure sensor
Pressure sensor at the tank bottom measures hydrostatic pressure through the trapped air column; the system derives water level for the dashboard. For a precise reading, outdoor air temperature is included in the calculation.
Read the case studyAutomatic ceiling light
ESP32 + RA24D18 radar + LDR
Radar senses occupancy and an LDR senses darkness; the relay powers the ceiling light only when someone is in the room and it is dim.
Read the case studySmart night light
ESP32 + LDR
An LDR watches room brightness; when it gets dim enough, the relay turns fairy lights on.
Read the case studyAuto-cooling fan
ESP32 + Dallas temperature sensor + PWM fan
Air temperature sets PWM fan speed from off through full; temperature ranges and fan speed limits are adjustable from the dashboard.
Read the case studySmart switch
ESP32 + relay
Relay follows the dashboard or automation scripts, with timed auto-off and switch state restored from NVS after reboot or power loss.
Read the case studyOutdoor weather sensor
ESP32 + DHT22
DHT22 measures outdoor temperature and humidity; readings appear on the dashboard.
Read the case studyAbout IotGrid
IotGrid is our 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, our lab reflects a passion for:
Let's Connect
Interested in discussing ideas, technical details, or automation solutions? Talks are with Muhammad Abdullah Siddiqui / IotGrid.
IotGrid is a non-commercial experimentation lab. We're happy to have free discussions about:
- Technical details and how our IoT systems are built
- 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