The problem
The goal was simple: see what a network is doing. Every tool demanded an email, user data, or constant attention. None worked without an internet connection. The idea was a box that watched and stayed quiet.
Why this
exists.
Northsline started in 2026 because no network hardware respected privacy. Everything wanted a subscription, an account, or an internet connection. Every tool phoned home. So a Pico 2 W, MicroPython, and a breadboard became the first prototype.
How it's built
The firmware is MicroPython, the hardware is prototyped on a breadboard, and everything is tested by hand. It's slow. That's the point. Every decision is visible in the code and the wiring.
What it refuses to do
No accounts. No cloud dependency. No telemetry. No "AI-powered" features that send data somewhere else. If a device can work entirely on your network, it should. Privacy shouldn't require a manual.
If a device can work entirely on your network, it should.
THE FIRST PRODUCT
KNOWN
A small device that watches your network traffic and forgets everything when you pull the plug. Built around a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W, with a 128x64 OLED display, passive buzzer, and a local dashboard served at known.local. It keeps nothing. It phones nowhere.
Questions
Who is behind Northsline?
Northsline is a small operation based in Italy. The firmware is written from scratch, the hardware is tested by hand, and everything ships from the same place it's built.
Do I need an account to use Known?
No. There is no account, no login, no email verification. You plug the device in and open a browser. That's it.
Does Known send data anywhere?
No. Known runs entirely on your network. It watches DNS traffic and displays it on a local dashboard. Nothing leaves your router. The firmware is open source, so you can verify this yourself.
What happens when I unplug it?
All data is stored in volatile memory. When you cut power, the data stops existing. It doesn't delete — it was never written to permanent storage in the first place.
Can I see the code?
Yes. The firmware is open source. You can read it, fork it, audit it, and point out bugs. That's the point.
Get in touch
If you want to know more, ask about the hardware, or just talk about privacy hardware — send an email. You'll get a real reply.
[email protected]