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Forum Discussion
Pool equipment manufacturer access
How is it possible for the manufacturer of my pool control panel able to gain access to their panel that is connected to my home network for my pool without me knowing? How can I make sure my network...
Most Internet of Things (IoT) devices function by opening a connection through the local WiFi network to the manufacturer "Cloud". Residential WiFi routers do not accept connections from the internet, so there is way for anyone (including the owner!) to reach the device from outside the network. Once the device itself has opened a connection, the user's smartphone app can control the device by connecting to the Cloud and using the connection the device has opened to the Cloud to pass messages to/from the device.
This is how smart plugs, garage door openers, light bulbs, etc. etc. function.
My guess is that the manufacturer of the pool control panel is using this connection to perform maintenance tasks. I am also pretty confident they have no interest in hiding their activity from customers. (How are you aware of their connection in the first place? Did they tell you?)