Abstract: A client device and a host device may create a local connection for providing wide area network access, such as Internet access, to the client device. In some embodiments, the client device may have limited network capabilities and may not be able to access the Internet without the host device. The client device may provide its speed and direction in a message to potential host devices. A host device may calculate a suitability metric, based on the speed and direction of the client as well as connection properties of the networks, which indicates an ability for the host device to connect the client device to the Internet. The host device may provide the suitability metric within a connection request to the client device. Based on the suitability metric and/or other factors, the client device and the host device may establish the local connection.

Abstract: A controller and an accessory controllable by the controller can communicate using secure read and write procedures. The procedures can include encrypting identifiers of accessory characteristics targeted by a read or write operation as well as any data being read or written. The procedures can also include the accessory returning a cryptographically signed response verifying receipt and execution of the read or write instruction. In some instances, a write procedure can be implemented as a timed write in which a first instruction containing the write data is sent separately from a second instruction to execute the write operation; the accessory can disregard the write data if the second instruction is not received within a timeout period after receiving the first instruction.

Abstract: Controllers can communicate with accessories using various paths, such as a wireless communication path. A controller can maintain reachability information for each accessory indicating the path(s) via which the accessory is currently reachable. Maintaining the reachability information can include scanning to detect broadcasts from the accessories and updating the reachability information based on the results of scanning. Scanning parameters such as scan interval and scan duration can be selected dynamically based on the current operating context of the controller (e.g., where the controller is located, what processes are active on the controller, what other devices have been detected within communication range of the controller).

Abstract: A host device may include a wireless interface for communications, a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and to the wireless interface. The host device may receive, via the wireless interface, an advertisement message from a client device. The advertisement message may include an identifier associated with the client device and a request for communication of data from a cloud-based service. Responsive to the advertisement, the host may send the identifier to the cloud-based service. The host may receive from the cloud-based service, a proxy indication of available data associated with the client. Responsive to receiving the proxy indication of available data, the host may provide, via the wireless interface, a connection request including a client indication of the available data from the cloud-based service to the client. After receiving the available data from the cloud-based service, the host device may send the available data to the client.

Abstract: A client device and a host device may create a local connection for providing wide area network access, such as Internet access, to the client device. In some embodiments, the client device may have limited network capabilities and may not be able to access the Internet without the host device. The client device may provide its speed and direction in a message to potential host devices. A host device may calculate a suitability metric, based on the speed and direction of the client as well as connection properties of the networks, which indicates an ability for the host device to connect the client device to the Internet. The host device may provide the suitability metric within a connection request to the client device. Based on the suitability metric and/or other factors, the client device and the host device may establish the local connection.

Abstract: Controllers can be used to control the operation of various accessories. Controllers with access to a particular accessory (or group of accessories) can be organized into a controller network to facilitate control. The controller network can include various proxy devices including bridge and tunnel proxies that can relay messages to and from accessories, perform protocol translations, and/or provide communication security. Some proxy devices can include decision logic to enable coordinated control over one or more accessories by the controllers in the controller network.