FAQ | Northsline Known, privacy network monitor, no cloud dependency, no accounts, no telemetry, open source firmware
Questions
Who is behind Northsline?
Northsline is a small operation based in Italy. The software 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. Local management means the device works without any cloud service or account.
Does Known send data anywhere?
No. Known runs entirely on your network with no cloud dependency. 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. No data retention by design.
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.
Is Known a firewall?
No. Known is a passive network monitor. It watches DNS traffic but does not block, filter, or modify it. It tells you what's happening so you can decide what to do. If you need a firewall, use a firewall. Known is an observability tool, not a security appliance.
What hardware does Known use?
Known is built on a Pico 2 W with an RP2350 dual-core ARM processor and built-in Wi-Fi. It's a small, low-power device that sits on your network and watches DNS traffic. See the specifications page for details.
How do I set it up?
Plug Known into power. It joins your Wi-Fi network. Open a browser and go to the device's local address. That's it. No app to install, no account to create. See the support page for detailed steps.