Indi

INDI, short for Instrument Neutral Distributed Interface, is an open-source protocol and software framework for controlling astronomical instruments over a network. It provides a device-neutral layer to manage equipment such as telescope mounts, cameras, focusers, filter wheels, domes, and weather sensors, enabling remote and automated operation across different vendors.

The INDI system follows a client–server model. IND I servers host device drivers that communicate with hardware, while clients connect to these servers to issue commands, monitor status, and receive updates. Devices present their capabilities as properties with adjustable values, and clients can subscribe to changes in real time. The architecture supports multiple servers and clients on a single network, facilitating flexible and scalable control setups.

INDI is designed to be platform-independent and predominantly used in the astronomy community. It began as a Linux-centric solution but has since expanded to run on Windows and macOS through cross-platform libraries and compatible clients. The most common ecosystem consists of the indiserver (the server) and client applications such as KStars with the Ekos extension, though other INDI clients exist. The modular driver approach allows new hardware to be supported by adding or updating drivers without altering the client software.

Device coverage includes cameras from various manufacturers, focusers, filter wheels, mounts, domes, guide cameras, and environmental sensors. The protocol emphasizes network transparency, asynchronous communication, and extensibility, enabling remote control, scripting, and automation for astronomical imaging, surveying, and observatory operations.

INDI is actively developed by a community of volunteers and is distributed under open-source licenses. It has become a widely used alternative to vendor-specific solutions, particularly among Linux-based and cross-platform amateur observatories.