Abstract: A system and corresponding method for independently controlling a plurality of manufacturer specific devices through a generic interface is disclosed. The system includes a translation layer operative to convert signals from a plurality of nodes into a normalized signal; and a node abstraction layer, operatively coupled to the translation layer, for receiving the normalized signal and to transmit a generic control signal in response to the normalized signal. The node abstraction module includes a generic object model of most types of home automation devices, sensors and actuators, which provides for independent control of the plurality of manufacturer specific devices.