The Problem with the Network Plugin

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 126 views

Introduction

As the 3D printing community continues to evolve, the need for reliable and secure connectivity between devices and software has become increasingly important. Bambu Labs devices, in particular, have been a popular choice among enthusiasts and professionals alike. However, the proprietary network plugin required for these devices has been a point of contention due to its opacity, limited platform availability, and potential AGPL violation. In this article, we will explore the benefits of supporting Bambu Labs devices in LAN/Developer mode without the network plugin and discuss a potential solution using open-source implementation.

The Problem with the Network Plugin

The network plugin was initially developed to support Bambu Cloud, a cloud-based platform for 3D printing. However, with Bambu's decision to shut out third-party slicers, the plugin has become a necessary evil. The plugin's opacity and limited platform availability have made it a hindrance for users who require more control over their devices. Furthermore, the plugin's potential AGPL violation against the original Prusa Slicer/Slic3r codebase raises concerns about its legitimacy.

Benefits of Supporting Bambu Labs Devices in LAN/Developer Mode

Supporting Bambu Labs devices in LAN/Developer mode without the network plugin would have several benefits:

Improved Security: By eliminating the proprietary plugin, users can enjoy improved security and reduced risk of data breaches.
Increased Platform Availability: An open-source implementation would allow users to access the device's native MQTT/FTPS API's on a wider range of platforms, including Linux on ARM.
Reduced Dependence on Proprietary Software: By using open-source software, users can reduce their dependence on proprietary plugins and enjoy greater flexibility and control over their devices.
Compliance with Open-Source Licenses: An open-source implementation would ensure compliance with open-source licenses, such as AGPL, and reduce the risk of potential violations.

Solution: Open-Source Implementation Using Native MQTT/FTPS API's

To support Bambu Labs devices in LAN/Developer mode without the network plugin, we propose an open-source implementation utilizing the native MQTT/FTPS API's. This approach would provide several advantages:

Improved Transparency: An open-source implementation would provide users with greater transparency into the device's functionality and reduce the risk of opaque proprietary code.
Increased Flexibility: By using native API's, users can enjoy greater flexibility and control over their devices, including the ability to customize and extend the device's functionality.
Reduced Dependence on Proprietary Software: An open-source implementation would reduce users' dependence on proprietary plugins and ensure compliance with open-source licenses.

Implementation Details

To implement an open-source solution, we would need to:

Develop a Native MQTT/FTPS API Wrapper: Create a wrapper around the native MQTT/FTPS API's to provide a standardized interface for users.
Implement Device Communication: Develop a communication protocol to interact with the device using the native API's.
Integrate with Existing Software: Integrate the open-source implementation with existing software, such as Orca, to provide a seamless user experience.

Alternatives Considered

While we have not considered any specific alternatives, we recognize that there may be other approaches to supporting Bambu Labs devices in LAN/Developer mode without the network plugin. These alternatives may include:

Modifying the Proprietary Plugin: Attempting to modify the proprietary plugin to improve its transparency and compliance with open-source licenses.
Developing a New Plugin: Creating a new plugin that provides similar functionality to the proprietary plugin but with improved transparency and compliance with open-source licenses.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the benefits of supporting Bambu Labs devices in LAN/Developer mode without the network plugin. We proposed an open-source implementation utilizing native MQTT/FTPS API's to provide a transparent, flexible, and compliant solution. In this Q&A article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about this proposal.

Q: What are the benefits of supporting Bambu Labs devices in LAN/Developer mode without the network plugin?

A: The benefits of supporting Bambu Labs devices in LAN/Developer mode without the network plugin include:

Improved Security: By eliminating the proprietary plugin, users can enjoy improved security and reduced risk of data breaches.
Increased Platform Availability: An open-source implementation would allow users to access the device's native MQTT/FTPS API's on a wider range of platforms, including Linux on ARM.
Reduced Dependence on Proprietary Software: By using open-source software, users can reduce their dependence on proprietary plugins and enjoy greater flexibility and control over their devices.
Compliance with Open-Source Licenses: An open-source implementation would ensure compliance with open-source licenses, such as AGPL, and reduce the risk of potential violations.

Q: What is the current state of the network plugin?

A: The network plugin was initially developed to support Bambu Cloud, a cloud-based platform for 3D printing. However, with Bambu's decision to shut out third-party slicers, the plugin has become a necessary evil. The plugin's opacity and limited platform availability have made it a hindrance for users who require more control over their devices.

Q: What are the potential risks of using the network plugin?

A: The potential risks of using the network plugin include:

Security Risks: The plugin's opacity and limited platform availability make it a potential security risk, as users may be vulnerable to data breaches and other security threats.
AGPL Violation: The plugin's potential AGPL violation against the original Prusa Slicer/Slic3r codebase raises concerns about its legitimacy and compliance with open-source licenses.
Limited Platform Availability: The plugin's limited platform availability makes it difficult for users to access the device's native MQTT/FTPS API's on a wider range of platforms.

Q: How would an open-source implementation using native MQTT/FTPS API's address these risks?

A: An open-source implementation using native MQTT/FTPS API's would address these risks by:

Providing Transparency: An open-source implementation would provide users with greater transparency into the device's functionality and reduce the risk of opaque proprietary code.
Increasing Flexibility: By using native API's, users can enjoy greater flexibility and control over their devices, including the ability to customize and extend the device's functionality.
Ensuring Compliance with Open-Source Licenses: An open-source implementation would ensure compliance with open-source licenses, such as AGPL, and reduce the risk of potential violations.

Q: What are the next steps in implementing an open-source solution?

A: The next steps in implementing an open-source solution include:

Developing a Native MQTT/FTPS API Wrapper: Create a wrapper around the native MQTT/FTPS API's to provide a standardized interface for users.
Implementing Device Communication: Develop a communication protocol to interact with the device using the native API's.
Integrating with Existing Software: Integrate the open-source implementation with existing software, such as Orca, to provide a seamless user experience.

Q: What are the potential challenges in implementing an open-source solution?

A: The potential challenges in implementing an open-source solution include:

Development Time and Resources: Developing an open-source solution requires significant time and resources, including development, testing, and maintenance.
Community Involvement: An open-source solution requires community involvement and participation to ensure its success and adoption.
Compatibility Issues: An open-source solution may encounter compatibility issues with existing software and hardware, which must be addressed through testing and iteration.

Conclusion

Supporting Bambu Labs devices in LAN/Developer mode without the network plugin is a critical step towards improving security, increasing platform availability, and reducing dependence on proprietary software. An open-source implementation using native MQTT/FTPS API's provides a transparent, flexible, and compliant solution. By addressing the risks and challenges associated with this proposal, we can provide users with a seamless and secure experience.