Integrate OPNSense Device Tracker for Enhanced Home Network Management

S.C.O.R.E. → Convenience → Device Control

Overview

The OPNSense device tracker allows homeowners to monitor and manage devices connected to their home network effortlessly. By integrating this functionality with Home Assistant, users gain real-time insights into device presence, enhancing network security and convenience.

Benefits

• Improved visibility of all devices connected to the home network.
• Increased security by identifying unknown devices.
• Enhanced capability capabilities based on device presence.

Intent

The purpose of the OPNSense device tracker is to provide real-time tracking of devices on the home network. This capability enables homeowners to manage their network more effectively and automate actions based on device presence.

Preconditions

• OPNSense firewall installed and configured.
• Home Assistant instance running and accessible.
• Devices connected to the network for tracking.
• Home Assistant installed and configured.
• Integration available and authenticated: UniFi.
• Device installed and reachable: Synology 1621+ Network Attached Storage (NAS).

Actors

• Homeowner
• Family member
• Guest

Trigger

The capability is triggered when a device connects or disconnects from the home network.

Workflow Diagram

flowchart TD
    A[Device Connect/Disconnect] -->|check presence| B{{Device Present?}}
    B -->|Yes| C[Update Status in Home Assistant]
    C --> D[Notify Homeowner]
    B -->|No| E[Exit]

Workflow Description

1. Device Connects

When a device connects to the home network, OPNSense detects the new connection.

2. Check Device Presence

The OPNSense device tracker checks if the device is already known or if it’s a new addition.

3. Update Home Assistant

The device tracking information is sent to Home Assistant, updating the current status.

4. Notify Homeowner

If a new device is detected, a notification is sent to the homeowner’s Home Assistant dashboard.

5. Automate Actions

Based on device presence, automated actions can be initiated, such as adjusting smart home settings.

Postconditions

The Home Assistant dashboard reflects the current status of all devices on the network, allowing the homeowner to monitor and manage them effectively.

Optional Enhancements

• Integrate with additional security alerts for unknown devices.
• Provide historical tracking of device connections.
• Enable geofencing for specific devices.

Recommended Components

Source Examples

• 2026.1: Home is where the dashboard is ?? – Home Assistant (homeassistant)