diff --git a/dev/sample_module/module.yaml b/dev/sample_module/module.yaml
index 7c89233cc..367c87fb7 100644
--- a/dev/sample_module/module.yaml
+++ b/dev/sample_module/module.yaml
@@ -3,10 +3,13 @@ module:
     # Global plugin attributes
     classname: SampleModule
     version: 1.0.0
-    sh_minversion: 1.8
-#   sh_maxversion:                  # maximum shNG version to use this module (leave empty if latest)
-#    py_minversion: 3.6             # minimum Python version to use for this module
-#    py_maxversion:                 # maximum Python version to use for this module (leave empty if latest)
+
+    # these min/max-versions MUST be given in quotes, or e.g. 3.10 will be interpreted as 3.1 (3.1 < 3.9 < 3.10)
+    sh_minversion: '1.10'           # minimum shNG version to use this plugin
+#    sh_maxversion: '1.11'          # maximum shNG version to use this plugin (omit if latest)
+#    py_minversion: '3.10'          # minimum Python version to use for this plugin
+#    py_maxversion: '4.25'          # maximum Python version to use for this plugin (omit if latest)
+
     description:
         de: 'Modul implementiert ...'
         en: 'Module implements ...'
diff --git a/dev/sample_mqttplugin/__init__.py b/dev/sample_mqttplugin/__init__.py
index 83cd087e8..421580de5 100644
--- a/dev/sample_mqttplugin/__init__.py
+++ b/dev/sample_mqttplugin/__init__.py
@@ -59,6 +59,10 @@ def __init__(self, sh):
         # Call init code of parent class (MqttPlugin)
         super().__init__()
 
+        # if you want to use an item to toggle plugin execution, enable the
+        # definition in plugin.yaml and uncomment the following line
+        #self._pause_item_path = self.get_parameter_value('pause_item')
+
         # Initialization code goes here
 
         # On initialization error use:
@@ -78,6 +82,10 @@ def run(self):
 
         self.alive = True
 
+        # let the plugin change the state of pause_item
+        if self._pause_item:
+            self._pause_item(False, self.get_fullname())
+
         # start subscription to all topics
         self.start_subscriptions()
 
@@ -88,6 +96,13 @@ def stop(self):
         self.logger.dbghigh(self.translate("Methode '{method}' aufgerufen", {'method': 'stop()'}))
         self.alive = False
 
+        # let the plugin change the state of pause_item
+        if self._pause_item:
+            self._pause_item(True, self.get_fullname())
+
+        # if you use schedulers, this stops all schedulers the plugin has started.
+        #self.scheduler_remove_all()
+
         # stop subscription to all topics
         self.stop_subscriptions()
 
@@ -104,6 +119,13 @@ def parse_item(self, item):
                         with the item, caller, source and dest as arguments and in case of the knx plugin the value
                         can be sent to the knx with a knx write function within the knx plugin.
         """
+        # check for pause item
+        if item.property.path == self._pause_item_path:
+            self.logger.debug(f'pause item {item.property.path} registered')
+            self._pause_item = item
+            self.add_item(item, updating=True)
+            return self.update_item
+
         if self.has_iattr(item.conf, 'foo_itemid'):
             self.logger.debug(f"parse item: {item.property.path}")
 
@@ -148,6 +170,16 @@ def update_item(self, item, caller=None, source=None, dest=None):
         :param source: if given it represents the source
         :param dest: if given it represents the dest
         """
+        # check for pause item
+        if item is self._pause_item:
+            if caller != self.get_shortname():
+                self.logger.debug(f'pause item changed to {item()}')
+                if item() and self.alive:
+                    self.stop()
+                elif not item() and not self.alive:
+                    self.run()
+            return
+
         if self.alive and caller != self.get_shortname():
             # code to execute if the plugin is not stopped
             # and only, if the item has not been changed by this this plugin:
diff --git a/dev/sample_mqttplugin/plugin.yaml b/dev/sample_mqttplugin/plugin.yaml
index c84015282..4a0666c58 100755
--- a/dev/sample_mqttplugin/plugin.yaml
+++ b/dev/sample_mqttplugin/plugin.yaml
@@ -13,26 +13,28 @@ plugin:
 #    support: https://knx-user-forum.de/forum/supportforen/smarthome-py
 
     version: 1.0.0                  # Plugin version
-    sh_minversion: 1.8              # minimum shNG version to use this plugin
-#    sh_maxversion:                 # maximum shNG version to use this plugin (leave empty if latest)
-#    py_minversion: 3.6             # minimum Python version to use for this plugin
-#    py_maxversion:                 # maximum Python version to use for this plugin (leave empty if latest)
+
+    # these min/max-versions MUST be given in quotes, or e.g. 3.10 will be interpreted as 3.1 (3.1 < 3.9 < 3.10)
+    sh_minversion: '1.10'           # minimum shNG version to use this plugin
+#    sh_maxversion: '1.11'          # maximum shNG version to use this plugin (omit if latest)
+#    py_minversion: '3.10'          # minimum Python version to use for this plugin
+#    py_maxversion: '4.25'          # maximum Python version to use for this plugin (omit if latest)
+
     multi_instance: false           # plugin supports multi instance
-    restartable: unknown
-    suspendable: false              # plugin can be suspended, must be implemented in code
+    restartable: unknown            # plugin supports stopping and starting again, must be implemented
     classname: SamplePlugin         # class containing the plugin
 
 parameters:
     # Definition of parameters to be configured in etc/plugin.yaml (enter 'parameters: NONE', if section should be empty)
 
-    # item to toggle suspend mode
-    suspend_item:
+    # item to toggle plugin execution, remove if not wanted
+    # (needs plugin to be restartable)
+    pause_item:
         type: str
         default: ''
         description:
-            de: 'Item zum Schalten des Suspend-Modus'
-            en: 'item for toggling suspend mode'
-
+            de: 'Item, um die Ausführung des Plugins zu steuern'
+            en: 'item for controlling plugin execution'
 
 item_attributes:
     # Definition of item attributes defined by this plugin (enter 'item_attributes: NONE', if section should be empty)
diff --git a/dev/sample_plugin/__init__.py b/dev/sample_plugin/__init__.py
index 0edd07a83..4f1cad81e 100644
--- a/dev/sample_plugin/__init__.py
+++ b/dev/sample_plugin/__init__.py
@@ -70,6 +70,10 @@ def __init__(self, sh):
         # (maybe you want to make it a plugin parameter?)
         # self._cycle = 60
 
+        # if you want to use an item to toggle plugin execution, enable the
+        # definition in plugin.yaml and uncomment the following line
+        #self._pause_item_path = self.get_parameter_value('pause_item')
+
         # Initialization code goes here
 
         # On initialization error use:
@@ -88,10 +92,16 @@ def run(self):
         Run method for the plugin
         """
         self.logger.dbghigh(self.translate("Methode '{method}' aufgerufen", {'method': 'run()'}))
+
+        # connect to network / web / serial device
+        # (enable the following lines if you want to open a connection
+        #  don't forget to implement a connect (and disconnect) method.. :) )
+        #self.connect()
+
         # setup scheduler for device poll loop
         # (enable the following line, if you need to poll the device.
         #  Rember to un-comment the self._cycle statement in __init__ as well)
-        #self.scheduler_add('poll_device', self.poll_device, cycle=self._cycle)
+        #self.scheduler_add(self.get_fullname() + '_poll', self.poll_device, cycle=self._cycle)
 
         # Start the asyncio eventloop in it's own thread
         # and set self.alive to True when the eventloop is running
@@ -100,8 +110,15 @@ def run(self):
 
         self.alive = True     # if using asyncio, do not set self.alive here. Set it in the session coroutine
 
+        # let the plugin change the state of pause_item
+        if self._pause_item:
+            self._pause_item(False, self.get_fullname())
+
         # if you need to create child threads, do not make them daemon = True!
         # They will not shutdown properly. (It's a python bug)
+        # Also, don't create the thread in __init__() and start them here, but
+        # create and start them here. Threads can not be restarted after they
+        # have been stopped...
 
     def stop(self):
         """
@@ -110,13 +127,25 @@ def stop(self):
         self.logger.dbghigh(self.translate("Methode '{method}' aufgerufen", {'method': 'stop()'}))
         self.alive = False     # if using asyncio, do not set self.alive here. Set it in the session coroutine
 
-        # if you use a scheduled poll loop, enable the following line
-        #self.scheduler_remove('poll_device')
+        # let the plugin change the state of pause_item
+        if self._pause_item:
+            self._pause_item(True, self.get_fullname())
+
+        # this stops all schedulers the plugin has started.
+        # you can disable/delete the line if you don't use schedulers
+        self.scheduler_remove_all()
 
         # stop the asyncio eventloop and it's thread
         # If you use asyncio, enable the following line
         #self.stop_asyncio()
 
+        # If you called connect() on run(), disconnect here
+        # (remember to write a disconnect() method!)
+        #self.disconnect()
+
+        # also, clean up anything you set up in run(), so the plugin can be
+        # cleanly stopped and started again
+
     def parse_item(self, item):
         """
         Default plugin parse_item method. Is called when the plugin is initialized.
@@ -130,6 +159,13 @@ def parse_item(self, item):
                         with the item, caller, source and dest as arguments and in case of the knx plugin the value
                         can be sent to the knx with a knx write function within the knx plugin.
         """
+        # check for pause item
+        if item.property.path == self._pause_item_path:
+            self.logger.debug(f'pause item {item.property.path} registered')
+            self._pause_item = item
+            self.add_item(item, updating=True)
+            return self.update_item
+
         if self.has_iattr(item.conf, 'foo_itemtag'):
             self.logger.debug(f"parse item: {item}")
 
@@ -163,6 +199,16 @@ def update_item(self, item, caller=None, source=None, dest=None):
         :param source: if given it represents the source
         :param dest: if given it represents the dest
         """
+        # check for pause item
+        if item is self._pause_item:
+            if caller != self.get_shortname():
+                self.logger.debug(f'pause item changed to {item()}')
+                if item() and self.alive:
+                    self.stop()
+                elif not item() and not self.alive:
+                    self.run()
+            return
+
         if self.alive and caller != self.get_fullname():
             # code to execute if the plugin is not stopped
             # and only, if the item has not been changed by this plugin:
diff --git a/dev/sample_plugin/plugin.yaml b/dev/sample_plugin/plugin.yaml
index a67df3410..af0e085f5 100755
--- a/dev/sample_plugin/plugin.yaml
+++ b/dev/sample_plugin/plugin.yaml
@@ -13,25 +13,28 @@ plugin:
 #    support: https://knx-user-forum.de/forum/supportforen/smarthome-py
 
     version: 1.0.0                  # Plugin version (must match the version specified in __init__.py)
-    sh_minversion: 1.8              # minimum shNG version to use this plugin
-#    sh_maxversion:                 # maximum shNG version to use this plugin (leave empty if latest)
-#    py_minversion: 3.6             # minimum Python version to use for this plugin
-#    py_maxversion:                 # maximum Python version to use for this plugin (leave empty if latest)
+
+    # these min/max-versions MUST be given in quotes, or e.g. 3.10 will be interpreted as 3.1 (3.1 < 3.9 < 3.10)
+    sh_minversion: '1.10'           # minimum shNG version to use this plugin
+#    sh_maxversion: '1.11'          # maximum shNG version to use this plugin (omit if latest)
+#    py_minversion: '3.10'          # minimum Python version to use for this plugin
+#    py_maxversion: '4.25'          # maximum Python version to use for this plugin (omit if latest)
+
     multi_instance: false           # plugin supports multi instance
-    restartable: unknown
-    suspendable: false              # plugin can be suspended, must be implemented in code
+    restartable: unknown            # plugin supports stopping and starting again, must be implemented
     classname: SamplePlugin         # class containing the plugin
 
 parameters:
     # Definition of parameters to be configured in etc/plugin.yaml (enter 'parameters: NONE', if section should be empty)
 
-    # item to toggle suspend mode
-    suspend_item:
+    # item to toggle plugin execution, remove if not wanted
+    # (needs plugin to be restartable)
+    pause_item:
         type: str
         default: ''
         description:
-            de: 'Item zum Schalten des Suspend-Modus'
-            en: 'item for toggling suspend mode'
+            de: 'Item, um die Ausführung des Plugins zu steuern'
+            en: 'item for controlling plugin execution'
 
     param1:
         type: str
diff --git a/dev/sample_smartdevice_plugin/plugin.yaml b/dev/sample_smartdevice_plugin/plugin.yaml
index 6837bc75d..9d2f104ba 100644
--- a/dev/sample_smartdevice_plugin/plugin.yaml
+++ b/dev/sample_smartdevice_plugin/plugin.yaml
@@ -16,8 +16,13 @@ plugin:
     # documentation: https://github.com/smarthomeNG/smarthome/wiki/
     # support: https://knx-user-forum.de/forum/supportforen/smarthome-py/
     version: 0.0.1                  # !! adjust
-    sh_minversion: 1.9.5
-    py_minversion: 3.6
+
+    # these min/max-versions MUST be given in quotes, or e.g. 3.10 will be interpreted as 3.1 (3.1 < 3.9 < 3.10)
+    sh_minversion: '1.10'           # minimum shNG version to use this plugin
+#    sh_maxversion: '1.11'          # maximum shNG version to use this plugin (omit if latest)
+#    py_minversion: '3.10'          # minimum Python version to use for this plugin
+#    py_maxversion: '4.25'          # maximum Python version to use for this plugin (omit if latest)
+
     multi_instance: true
     restartable: true
     suspendable: true              # plugin can be suspended, implemented in sdp
diff --git a/dev/sample_smartdevice_standalone_plugin/plugin.yaml b/dev/sample_smartdevice_standalone_plugin/plugin.yaml
index 6837bc75d..9d2f104ba 100644
--- a/dev/sample_smartdevice_standalone_plugin/plugin.yaml
+++ b/dev/sample_smartdevice_standalone_plugin/plugin.yaml
@@ -16,8 +16,13 @@ plugin:
     # documentation: https://github.com/smarthomeNG/smarthome/wiki/
     # support: https://knx-user-forum.de/forum/supportforen/smarthome-py/
     version: 0.0.1                  # !! adjust
-    sh_minversion: 1.9.5
-    py_minversion: 3.6
+
+    # these min/max-versions MUST be given in quotes, or e.g. 3.10 will be interpreted as 3.1 (3.1 < 3.9 < 3.10)
+    sh_minversion: '1.10'           # minimum shNG version to use this plugin
+#    sh_maxversion: '1.11'          # maximum shNG version to use this plugin (omit if latest)
+#    py_minversion: '3.10'          # minimum Python version to use for this plugin
+#    py_maxversion: '4.25'          # maximum Python version to use for this plugin (omit if latest)
+
     multi_instance: true
     restartable: true
     suspendable: true              # plugin can be suspended, implemented in sdp
diff --git a/lib/model/mqttplugin.py b/lib/model/mqttplugin.py
index 2d2707ceb..01099c85b 100644
--- a/lib/model/mqttplugin.py
+++ b/lib/model/mqttplugin.py
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ def __init__(self):
         """
         Initialization Routine for the mqtt extension class to SmartPlugin
         """
-        SmartPlugin.__init__(self)
+        super().__init__()
 
         # get instance of MQTT module
         try:
@@ -60,8 +60,6 @@ def __init__(self):
         # get broker configuration (for display in web interface)
         self.broker_config = self.mod_mqtt.get_broker_config()
 
-        return True
-
 
     def translate(self, txt, vars=None, block=None):
         """
diff --git a/lib/model/smartplugin.py b/lib/model/smartplugin.py
index 11b647e0f..c471391ed 100644
--- a/lib/model/smartplugin.py
+++ b/lib/model/smartplugin.py
@@ -21,18 +21,18 @@
 #########################################################################
 
 from lib.model.smartobject import SmartObject
-
 from lib.shtime import Shtime
 from lib.module import Modules
 import lib.shyaml as shyaml
 from lib.utils import Utils
 from lib.translation import translate as lib_translate
+
 import logging
 import os
 import threading
 import asyncio
 import time
-import inspect
+from typing import Coroutine, Any
 
 
 class SmartPlugin(SmartObject, Utils):
@@ -46,74 +46,179 @@ class SmartPlugin(SmartObject, Utils):
 
     PLUGIN_VERSION = ''
     ALLOW_MULTIINSTANCE = None
+    STOP_ON_ITEM_CHANGE = True      # Plugin needs to be stopped on/before item changes
+                                    # needed by self.remove_item(), don't change unless you know how and why
 
-    __instance = ''       #: Name of this instance of the plugin
-    _sh = None            #: Variable containing a pointer to the main SmartHomeNG object; is initialized during loading of the plugin; :Warning: Don't change it
-    _configfilename = ''  #: Configfilename of the plugin; is initialized during loading of the plugin; :Warning: Don't change it
-    _configname = ''      #: Configname of the plugin; is initialized during loading of the plugin; :Warning: Don't change it
-    _shortname = ''       #: Shortname of the plugin; is initialized during loading of the plugin; :Warning: Don't change it
-    _classname = ''       #: Classname of the plugin; is initialized during loading of the plugin; :Warning: Don't change it
-    shtime = None         #: Variable containing a pointer to the SmartHomeNG time handling object; is initialized during loading of the plugin; :Warning: Don't change it
+    # these variables are initialized by the plugin loader for each plugin
 
-    _stop_on_item_change = True     # Plugin needs to be stopped on/before item changes
-                                    # needed by self.remove_item(), don't change unless you know how and why
+    __instance = ''             #: Name of this instance of the plugin
+    _sh = None                  #: Variable containing a pointer to the main SmartHomeNG object; is initialized during loading of the plugin; :Warning: Don't change it
+    _configfilename = ''        #: Configfilename of the plugin; is initialized during loading of the plugin; :Warning: Don't change it
+    _configname = ''            #: Configname of the plugin; is initialized during loading of the plugin; :Warning: Don't change it
+    _shortname = ''             #: Shortname of the plugin; is initialized during loading of the plugin; :Warning: Don't change it
+    _classname = ''             #: Classname of the plugin; is initialized during loading of the plugin; :Warning: Don't change it
+    shtime = None               #: Variable containing a pointer to the SmartHomeNG time handling object; is initialized during loading of the plugin; :Warning: Don't change it
+
+    _parameters = {}            # Dict for storing the configuration parameters read from /etc/plugin.yaml
+    _hide_parameters = {}       # Dict for storing parameters to hide from AdminUI
 
     _pluginname_prefix = 'plugins.'
 
-    _plg_item_dict = {}     # dict to hold the items assigned to the plugin and their plugin specific information
-    _item_lookup_dict = {}  # dict for the reverse lookup from a mapping (device-command or matchstring) to an item,
-                            # contains a list of items for each mapping
-    _add_translation = None
+    # these variables _should_ be instance members (not class members) ...
+    # BUT if a plugin fails to call the parent class' __init__(), these are
+    # not present and cause errors.
+    # So - until a proper QA for 3rd party plugins is in place - we define these
+    # as class members to prevent AttributeErrors later on...
 
-    _parameters = {}        # Dict for storing the configuration parameters read from /etc/plugin.yaml
-    _hide_parameters = {}   # Dict for storing parameters to hide from AdminUI
-    _schedulers = []        # List for all plugin schedulers
     logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
-    alive = False
-    suspended = False       # flag for setting suspended (inactive) state
-    _suspend_item = None      # suspend item
-    _suspend_item_path = None # path of suspend item
+    _plg_item_dict = {}         # dict to hold the items assigned to the plugin and their plugin specific information
+    _item_lookup_dict = {}      # dict for the reverse lookup from a mapping (device-command or matchstring) to an item,
+                                # contains a list of items for each mapping
 
-    # Initialization of SmartPlugin class called by super().__init__() from the plugin's __init__() method
-    def __init__(self, **kwargs):
-        self._plg_item_dict = {}      # make sure, that the dict is local to the plugin
-        self._item_lookup_dict = {}   # make sure, that the dict is local to the plugin
-        self._schedulers = []         # all created schedulers for this plugin
+    alive = False               # flag if plugin is running
+    _schedulers = []            # all created schedulers for this plugin
+
+    _add_translation = None
+
+    _pause_item = None          # pause item
+    _pause_item_path = ''       # path of pause item
+
+    _asyncio_loop = None        # eventloop of the plugin
+    _asyncio_state = 'unused'   # stored state of the asyncio use of the plugin
+    _used_plugin_coro = None    # plugin coro used when calling start_asyncio (to be able to used by a generic 'restart asyncio' method
+    _run_queue = None           # queue to send commends to the main-coro/plugin-coro
 
-        # set parameter value
-        # TODO: need to check for this item in parse_item and set self._suspend_item
-        #       for suspend item functionality to work
-        self._suspend_item_path = self.get_parameter_value('suspend_item')
+#
+# the following methods need to be overwritten / implemented
+#
 
-    def suspend(self, by=None):
+    def run(self):
         """
-        sets plugin into suspended mode, no network/serial activity and no item changed
+        This method of the plugin is called to start the plugin
+
+        :note: This method needs to be overwritten by the plugin implementation. Otherwise an error will be raised
         """
-        if self.alive:
-            self.logger.info(f'plugin suspended by {by if by else "unknown"}, connections will be closed')
-            self.suspended = True
-            if self._suspend_item is not None:
-                self._suspend_item(True)
-            if hasattr(self, 'disconnect'):
-                self.disconnect()
+        raise NotImplementedError("'Plugin' subclasses should have a 'run()' method")
 
-    def resume(self, by=None):
+    def stop(self):
         """
-        disabled suspended mode, network/serial connections are resumed
+        This method of the plugin is called to stop the plugin when SmartHomeNG shuts down
+
+        :note: This method needs to be overwritten by the plugin implementation. Otherwise an error will be raised
         """
-        if self.alive:
-            self.logger.info(f'plugin resumed by {by if by else "unknown"}, connections will be resumed')
-            self.suspended = False
-            if self._suspend_item is not None:
-                self._suspend_item(False)
-            if hasattr(self, 'connect'):
-                self.connect()
+        raise NotImplementedError("'Plugin' subclasses should have a 'stop()' method")
+
+#
+# the following methods should be overwritten, but also called via super().<method>()
+#
+
+    def __init__(self, **kwargs) -> None:
+        """
+        Initialization of SmartPlugin instance
+
+        Should be called by super().__init__() from the plugin's __init__() method
+        """
+        # initialize instance members; for mutable types make sure these are "instance-specific"
+
+        self._plg_item_dict = {}        # dict to hold the items assigned to the plugin and their plugin specific information
+        self._item_lookup_dict = {}     # dict for the reverse lookup from a mapping (device-command or matchstring) to an item,
+                                        # contains a list of items for each mapping
+
+        self._schedulers = []           # all created schedulers for this plugin
+
+        # initialize plugin variables
+
+        self.alive = False              # flag if plugin is running
+
+        self._add_translation = None
+
+        self._pause_item = None         # pause item
+        self._pause_item_path = ''      # pause item path
+
+        self._asyncio_loop = None       # eventloop of the plugin
+        self._asyncio_state = 'unused'  # stored state of the asyncio use of the plugin
+        self._used_plugin_coro = None   # plugin coro used when calling start_asyncio (to be able to used by a generic 'restart asyncio' method
+        self._run_queue = None          # queue to send commends to the main-coro/plugin-coro
+
+#
+# the following methods should be overwritten
+#
+
+    def update_item(self, item, caller=None, source=None, dest=None) -> None:
+        """
+        Item has been updated
+
+        This method is called, if the value of an item has been updated by
+        SmartHomeNG. It should write the changed value out to the device
+        (hardware/interface) that is managed by this plugin.
+
+        Method must be overwritten for the plugin to be able to react to
+        item changes.
+
+        :param item: item to be updated towards the plugin
+        :param caller: if given it represents the callers name
+        :param source: if given it represents the source
+        :param dest: if given it represents the dest
+        """
+        # check for pause item
+        if item is self._pause_item:
+            if caller != self.get_shortname():
+                self.logger.debug(f'pause item changed to {item()}')
+                if item() and self.alive:
+                    self.stop()
+                elif not item() and not self.alive:
+                    self.run()
+            return
+
+        if not self.alive:
+            self.logger.warning(f'Received item update for item {item.property.path}, but plugin is not running. Ignoring...')
+            return
+
+    def parse_item(self, item) -> Any:
+        """
+        This method is used to parse the configuration of an item for this plugin. It is
+        called for each item before the plugins are started (calling all run methods).
+        Copy code to own function; calling via super() does not work without bending three arms...
 
-    def deinit(self, items=[]):
+        :note: This method should be overwritten by the plugin implementation.
+        """
+        # check for pause item
+        if item.property.path == self._pause_item_path:
+            self.logger.debug(f'pause item {item.property.path} registered')
+            self._pause_item = item
+            self.add_item(item, updating=True)
+            return self.update_item
+
+#
+# the following methods can be overwritten
+#
+
+    def poll_device(self) -> None:
+        """
+        periodically poll device (or do other things periodically)
+
+        :note: This method can be overwritten by plugin implementation.
+        """
+        pass
+
+    def parse_logic(self, logic) -> None:
         """
+        This method is used to parse the configuration of a logic for this plugin. It is
+        called for all plugins before the plugins are started (calling all run methods).
+
+        :note: This method should to be overwritten by the plugin implementation.
+        """
+        pass
+
+    def deinit(self, items=[]) -> None:
+        """
+        This method "deinitializes" the plugin, i.e. prepares for unloading.
+        The plugin is stopped and all (or all provided) items are un-registered.
+
         If the Plugin needs special code to be executed before it is unloaded, this method
-        has to be overwritten with the code needed for de-initialization
+        has to be overwritten with the code needed for de-initialization. Keep the
+        original code or call super().deinit()...
 
         If called without parameters, all registered items are unregistered.
         items is a list of items (or a single Item() object).
@@ -129,7 +234,14 @@ def deinit(self, items=[]):
         for item in items:
             self.remove_item(item)
 
-    def add_item(self, item, config_data_dict={}, mapping=None, updating=False):
+###############################################################################
+#
+#
+# the following methods should NOT be overwritten
+#
+#
+
+    def add_item(self, item, config_data_dict: dict = {}, mapping=None, updating: bool = False) -> bool:
         """
         For items that are used/handled by a plugin, this method stores the configuration information
         that is individual for the plugin. The configuration information is/has to be stored in a dictionary
@@ -189,7 +301,7 @@ def add_item(self, item, config_data_dict={}, mapping=None, updating=False):
 
         return True
 
-    def remove_item(self, item):
+    def remove_item(self, item) -> bool:
         """
         Remove configuration data for an item (and remove the item from the mapping's list
 
@@ -206,16 +318,16 @@ def remove_item(self, item):
 
         # check if plugin is running
         if self.alive:
-            if self._stop_on_item_change:
+            if self.STOP_ON_ITEM_CHANGE:
                 self.logger.debug(f'stopping plugin for removal of item {item.property.path}')
                 self.stop()
             else:
                 self.logger.debug(f'not stopping plugin for removal of item {item.property.path}')
 
-        if item.property.path == self._suspend_item_path:
-            self.logger.warning(f'trying to remove suspend item {item}. Disabling suspend item function')
-            self._suspend_item = None
-            self._suspend_item_path = ''
+        if item.property.path == self._pause_item_path:
+            self.logger.warning(f'trying to remove pause item {item}. Disabling pause item function')
+            self._pause_item = None
+            self._pause_item_path = ''
 
         # remove data from item_dict early in case of concurrent actions
         data = self._plg_item_dict[item.property.path]
@@ -233,32 +345,14 @@ def remove_item(self, item):
 
         return True
 
-
-    def callerinfo(self, caller, source):
+    def callerinfo(self, caller: str, source: str) -> str:
 
         if source is None:
             return caller
         else:
             return caller + ':' + source
 
-    def update_item(self, item, caller=None, source=None, dest=None):
-        """
-        Item has been updated
-
-        This method is called, if the value of an item has been updated by
-        SmartHomeNG. It should write the changed value out to the device
-        (hardware/interface) that is managed by this plugin.
-
-        Method must be overwritten to be functional.
-
-        :param item: item to be updated towards the plugin
-        :param caller: if given it represents the callers name
-        :param source: if given it represents the source
-        :param dest: if given it represents the dest
-        """
-        pass
-
-    def register_updating(self, item):
+    def register_updating(self, item) -> None:
         """
         Mark item in self._plg_item_dict as registered in shng for updating
         (usually done by returning self.update_item from self.parse_item)
@@ -276,7 +370,7 @@ def register_updating(self, item):
             self.add_item(item)
         self._plg_item_dict[item.property.path]['is_updating'] = True
 
-    def get_item_config(self, item):
+    def get_item_config(self, item) -> dict:
         """
         Returns the plugin-specific configuration information (config_data_dict) for the given item
 
@@ -292,7 +386,7 @@ def get_item_config(self, item):
             item_path = item.property.path
         return self._plg_item_dict[item_path].get('config_data')
 
-    def get_item_mapping(self, item):
+    def get_item_mapping(self, item) -> str:
         """
         Returns the plugin-specific mapping that was defined by add_item()
 
@@ -310,7 +404,7 @@ def get_item_mapping(self, item):
             item_path = item.property.path
         return self._plg_item_dict[item_path].get('mapping')
 
-    def get_item_mapping_list(self):
+    def get_item_mapping_list(self) -> list:
         """
         Returns the plugin-specific mapping that was defined by add_item()
 
@@ -320,14 +414,14 @@ def get_item_mapping_list(self):
         Only available in SmartHomeNG versions **v1.10.0 and up**.
 
         :return: mapping string for that item
-        :rtype: str
+        :rtype: list
         """
         result = []
         for item_path in list(self._plg_item_dict.keys()):
             result.append([item_path, self._plg_item_dict[item_path].get('mapping')])
         return result
 
-    def _string_compare(self, s1, s2: str, mode: str=None) -> str:
+    def _string_compare(self, s1: str, s2: str, mode: str='') -> bool:
         """
         Compare strings of different length
 
@@ -338,11 +432,10 @@ def _string_compare(self, s1, s2: str, mode: str=None) -> str:
         :param s1: First string to compare
         :param s2: Second string to compare
         :param mode: Compare mode ('start', 'end') for comparing strings of different length
-        :return:
+        :return: True if strings match, False otherwise
+        :rtype: bool
         """
-        if mode is None:
-            return s1 == s2
-        elif mode == 'end':
+        if mode == 'end':
             if len(s1) > len(s2):
                 return s1.endswith(s2)
             else:
@@ -352,8 +445,10 @@ def _string_compare(self, s1, s2: str, mode: str=None) -> str:
                 return s1.startswith(s2)
             else:
                 return s2.startswith(s1)
+        else:
+            return s1 == s2
 
-    def get_item_path_list(self, filter_key: str=None, filter_value: str=None, mode: str=None) -> list:
+    def get_item_path_list(self, filter_key: str='', filter_value: str='', mode: str='') -> list:
         """
         Return list of stored item paths used by this plugin
 
@@ -366,14 +461,15 @@ def get_item_path_list(self, filter_key: str=None, filter_value: str=None, mode:
 
         :return: List of item pathes
         """
-        if filter_key is None or filter_value is None:
+        if filter_key == '' or filter_value == '':
             return self._plg_item_dict.keys()
 
-        if mode is None:
+        if mode == '':
             return [item_path for item_path in list(self._plg_item_dict.keys()) if self._plg_item_dict[item_path]['config_data'].get(filter_key, None) == filter_value]
+
         return [item_path for item_path in list(self._plg_item_dict.keys()) if self._string_compare(self._plg_item_dict[item_path]['config_data'].get(filter_key, None), filter_value, mode)]
 
-    def get_item_list(self, filter_key: str=None, filter_value: str=None, mode: str=None) -> list:
+    def get_item_list(self, filter_key: str='', filter_value: str='', mode: str='') -> list:
         """
         Return list of stored items used by this plugin
 
@@ -386,14 +482,15 @@ def get_item_list(self, filter_key: str=None, filter_value: str=None, mode: str=
 
         :return: List of item objects
         """
-        if filter_key is None or filter_value is None:
+        if filter_key == '' or filter_value == '':
             return [self._plg_item_dict[item_path]['item'] for item_path in list(self._plg_item_dict.keys())]
 
-        if mode is None:
+        if mode == '':
             return [self._plg_item_dict[item_path]['item'] for item_path in list(self._plg_item_dict.keys()) if self._plg_item_dict[item_path]['config_data'].get(filter_key, None) == filter_value]
+
         return [self._plg_item_dict[item_path]['item'] for item_path in list(self._plg_item_dict.keys()) if self._string_compare(self._plg_item_dict[item_path]['config_data'].get(filter_key, None), filter_value, mode)]
 
-    def get_trigger_items(self):
+    def get_trigger_items(self) -> list:
         """
         Return list of stored items which were marked as updating
 
@@ -401,7 +498,7 @@ def get_trigger_items(self):
         """
         return [self._plg_item_dict[item_path]['item'] for item_path in self._plg_item_dict if self._plg_item_dict[item_path]['is_updating']]
 
-    def get_items_for_mapping(self, mapping):
+    def get_items_for_mapping(self, mapping: str) -> list:
         """
         Returns a list of items that should receive data for the given mapping
 
@@ -415,7 +512,7 @@ def get_items_for_mapping(self, mapping):
         """
         return self._item_lookup_dict.get(mapping, [])
 
-    def get_mappings(self):
+    def get_mappings(self) -> list:
         """
         Returns a list containing all mappings, which have items associated with it
 
@@ -426,7 +523,7 @@ def get_mappings(self):
         """
         return list(self._item_lookup_dict.keys())
 
-    def unparse_item(self, item):
+    def unparse_item(self, item) -> bool:
         """
         Ensure that changes to <item> are no longer propagated to this plugin
 
@@ -439,7 +536,7 @@ def unparse_item(self, item):
         except Exception:
             return False
 
-    def get_configname(self):
+    def get_configname(self) -> str:
         """
         return the name of the plugin instance as defined in plugin.yaml (section name)
 
@@ -449,7 +546,7 @@ def get_configname(self):
         return self._configname
 
 
-    def _set_configname(self, configname):
+    def _set_configname(self, configname: str) -> None:
         """
         set the name of the plugin instance as defined in plugin.yaml (section name)
 
@@ -461,7 +558,7 @@ def _set_configname(self, configname):
         self._configname = configname
 
 
-    def get_shortname(self):
+    def get_shortname(self) -> str:
         """
         return the shortname of the plugin (name of it's directory)
 
@@ -471,7 +568,7 @@ def get_shortname(self):
         return self._shortname
 
 
-    def _set_shortname(self, shortname):
+    def _set_shortname(self, shortname: str) -> None:
         """
         ...
 
@@ -483,7 +580,7 @@ def _set_shortname(self, shortname):
         self._shortname = shortname
 
 
-    def get_instance_name(self):
+    def get_instance_name(self) -> str:
         """
         Returns the name of this instance of the plugin
 
@@ -493,7 +590,7 @@ def get_instance_name(self):
         return self.__instance
 
 
-    def _set_instance_name(self, instance):
+    def _set_instance_name(self, instance: str) -> None:
         """
         set instance name of the plugin
 
@@ -508,7 +605,7 @@ def _set_instance_name(self, instance):
             self.logger.warning(f"Plugin '{self.get_shortname()}': Only multi-instance capable plugins allow setting a name for an instance")
 
 
-    def get_fullname(self):
+    def get_fullname(self) -> str:
         """
         return the full name of the plugin (shortname & instancename)
 
@@ -521,7 +618,7 @@ def get_fullname(self):
             return self.get_shortname() + '_' + self.get_instance_name()
 
 
-    def get_classname(self):
+    def get_classname(self) -> str:
         """
         return the classname of the plugin
 
@@ -531,7 +628,7 @@ def get_classname(self):
         return self._classname
 
 
-    def _set_classname(self, classname):
+    def _set_classname(self, classname: str) -> None:
         """
         ...
 
@@ -543,7 +640,7 @@ def _set_classname(self, classname):
         self._classname = classname
 
 
-    def get_version(self, extended=False):
+    def get_version(self, extended: bool=False) -> str:
         """
         Return plugin version
 
@@ -559,7 +656,7 @@ def get_version(self, extended=False):
             return self.PLUGIN_VERSION
 
 
-    def _set_multi_instance_capable(self, mi):
+    def _set_multi_instance_capable(self, mi: bool) -> bool:
         """
         Sets information if plugin is capable of multi instance handling (derived from metadate),
         but only, if ALLOW_MULTIINSTANCE is not set in source code
@@ -576,20 +673,19 @@ def _set_multi_instance_capable(self, mi):
         return True
 
 
-    def is_multi_instance_capable(self):
+    def is_multi_instance_capable(self) -> bool:
         """
         Returns information if plugin is capable of multi instance handling
 
         :return: True: If multiinstance capable
         :rtype: bool
         """
-        if self.ALLOW_MULTIINSTANCE:
-            return True
-        else:
+        if not hasattr(self, 'ALLOW_MULTIINSTANCE') or self.ALLOW_MULTIINSTANCE is None:
             return False
+        return self.ALLOW_MULTIINSTANCE
 
 
-    def get_plugin_dir(self):
+    def get_plugin_dir(self) -> str:
         """
         return the directory where the pluing files are stored in
 
@@ -599,7 +695,7 @@ def get_plugin_dir(self):
         return self._plugin_dir
 
 
-    def _set_plugin_dir(self, dir):
+    def _set_plugin_dir(self, dir: str) -> None:
         """
         Set the object's local variable `_plugin_dir` to root directory of the plugins.
         You can reference the main object of SmartHmeNG by using self._plugin_dir.
@@ -612,7 +708,7 @@ def _set_plugin_dir(self, dir):
         self._plugin_dir = dir
 
 
-    def get_info(self):
+    def get_info(self) -> str:
         """
         Returns a small plugin info like: class, version and instance name
 
@@ -622,7 +718,7 @@ def get_info(self):
         return f"Plugin: '{self.get_shortname()}.{self.__class__.__name__}', Version: '{self.get_version()}', Instance: '{self.get_instance_name()}'"
 
 
-    def get_parameter_value(self, parameter_name):
+    def get_parameter_value(self, parameter_name: str) -> Any:
         """
         Returns the configured value for the given parameter name
 
@@ -637,7 +733,7 @@ def get_parameter_value(self, parameter_name):
         return self._parameters.get(parameter_name, None)
 
 
-    def get_parameter_value_for_display(self, parameter_name):
+    def get_parameter_value_for_display(self, parameter_name: str) -> Any:
         """
         Returns the configured value for the given parameter name
 
@@ -658,21 +754,7 @@ def get_parameter_value_for_display(self, parameter_name):
         else:
             return param
 
-
-#    def has_parameter_value(self, key):
-#        """
-#        Returns True, if a value is configured for the given parameter name
-#
-#        :param parameter_name: Name of the parameter for which the value should be retrieved
-#        :type parameter_name: str
-#
-#        :return: True, if a value is configured for the given parameter name
-#        :rtype: bool
-#        """
-#        return (self.get_parameter_value(key) is not None)
-
-
-    def update_config_section(self, param_dict):
+    def update_config_section(self, param_dict: dict) -> None:
         """
         Update the config section of ../etc/plugin.yaml
 
@@ -727,9 +809,8 @@ def update_config_section(self, param_dict):
         if parameters_changed:
             shyaml.yaml_save_roundtrip(self._configfilename, plugin_conf, True)
         self.logger.debug(f"update_config_section: Finished updating section '{self._configname}' of ../etc/plugin.yaml")
-        return
 
-    def get_loginstance(self):
+    def get_loginstance(self) -> str:
         """
         Returns a prefix for logmessages of multi instance capable plugins.
 
@@ -751,7 +832,7 @@ def get_loginstance(self):
             return self.__instance + '@: '
 
 
-    def __get_iattr(self, attr):
+    def __get_iattr(self, attr: str) -> str:
         """
         Returns the given item attribute name for this plugin instance
         (by adding the instance to the attribute name)
@@ -768,7 +849,7 @@ def __get_iattr(self, attr):
             return f"{attr}@{self.__instance}"
 
 
-    def __get_iattr_conf(self, conf, attr):
+    def __get_iattr_conf(self, conf: str, attr: str) -> Any:
         """
         returns item attribute name including instance if required and found
         in item configuration
@@ -818,7 +899,7 @@ def get_iattr_value(self, conf: str, attr: str, default=None) -> str:
         return default if __attr is None else conf[__attr]
 
 
-    def set_attr_value(self, conf, attr, value):
+    def set_attr_value(self, conf: str, attr: str, value: str) -> None:
         """
         Set value for an attribute in item configuration
 
@@ -834,7 +915,7 @@ def set_attr_value(self, conf, attr, value):
             conf[self.__get_iattr(attr)] = value
 
 
-    def __new__(cls, *args, **kargs):
+    def __new__(cls, *args, **kargs) -> Any:
         """
         This method ic called during the creation of an object of the class SmartPlugin.
 
@@ -845,7 +926,7 @@ def __new__(cls, *args, **kargs):
         return SmartObject.__new__(cls, *args, **kargs)
 
 
-    def get_sh(self):
+    def get_sh(self) -> object:
         """
         Return the main object of smarthomeNG (usually refered to as **smarthome** or **sh**)
         You can reference the main object of SmartHomeNG by using self.get_sh() in your plugin
@@ -856,7 +937,7 @@ def get_sh(self):
         return self._sh
 
 
-    def _set_sh(self, smarthome):
+    def _set_sh(self, smarthome: object) -> None:
         """
         Set the object's local variable `_sh` to the main smarthomeNG object.
         You can reference the main object of SmartHomeNG by using self._sh.
@@ -872,7 +953,7 @@ def _set_sh(self, smarthome):
             self.shtime = Shtime.get_instance()
 
 
-    def get_module(self, modulename):
+    def get_module(self, modulename: str) -> object:
         """
         Test if module http is loaded and if loaded, return a handle to the module
         """
@@ -893,47 +974,20 @@ def path_join(self, path, dir):
         """
         return os.path.join(path, dir)
 
-
-    def parse_logic(self, logic):
-        """
-        This method is used to parse the configuration of a logic for this plugin. It is
-        called for all plugins before the plugins are started (calling all run methods).
-
-        :note: This method should to be overwritten by the plugin implementation.
-        """
-        pass
-
-
-    def parse_item(self, item):
-        """
-        This method is used to parse the configuration of an item for this plugin. It is
-        called for all plugins before the plugins are started (calling all run methods).
-
-        :note: This method should be overwritten by the plugin implementation.
-        """
-        # check for suspend item
-        if item.property.path == self._suspend_item_path:
-            self.logger.debug(f'suspend item {item.property.path} registered')
-            self._suspend_item = item
-            self.add_item(item, updating=True)
-            return self.update_item
-
-
-
     def now(self):
         """
         Returns SmartHomeNGs current time (timezone aware)
         """
         return self.shtime.now()
 
-    def scheduler_return_next(self, name):
+    def scheduler_return_next(self, name: str) -> Any:
         if name != '':
             name = '.' + name
         name = self._pluginname_prefix + self.get_fullname() + name
         self.logger.debug(f"scheduler_return_next: name = {name}")
         return self._sh.scheduler.return_next(name, from_smartplugin=True)
 
-    def scheduler_trigger(self, name, obj=None, by=None, source=None, value=None, dest=None, prio=3, dt=None):
+    def scheduler_trigger(self, name, obj=None, by=None, source=None, value=None, dest=None, prio=3, dt=None) -> None:
         """
         This methods triggers the scheduler entry for a plugin-scheduler
 
@@ -951,7 +1005,7 @@ def scheduler_trigger(self, name, obj=None, by=None, source=None, value=None, de
         self.logger.debug(f"scheduler_trigger: name = {name}, parameters: {parameters}")
         self._sh.scheduler.trigger(name, obj, by, source, value, dest, prio, dt, from_smartplugin=True)
 
-    def scheduler_add(self, name, obj, prio=3, cron=None, cycle=None, value=None, offset=None, next=None):
+    def scheduler_add(self, name: str, obj: object, prio: int=3, cron=None, cycle=None, value=None, offset=None, next=None) -> None:
         """
         This methods adds a scheduler entry for a plugin-scheduler
 
@@ -968,7 +1022,7 @@ def scheduler_add(self, name, obj, prio=3, cron=None, cycle=None, value=None, of
         self.logger.debug(f"scheduler_add: name = {name}, parameters: {parameters}")
         self._sh.scheduler.add(name, obj, prio, cron, cycle, value, offset, next, from_smartplugin=True)
 
-    def scheduler_change(self, name, **kwargs):
+    def scheduler_change(self, name: str, **kwargs) -> None:
         """
         This methods changes a scheduler entry of a plugin-scheduler
 
@@ -984,7 +1038,7 @@ def scheduler_change(self, name, **kwargs):
         self.logger.debug(f"scheduler_change: name = {name}, parameters: {parameters}")
         self._sh.scheduler.change(name, **kwargs)
 
-    def scheduler_remove(self, name):
+    def scheduler_remove(self, name: str) -> None:
         """
         This methods removes a scheduler entry of a plugin-scheduler
 
@@ -995,14 +1049,14 @@ def scheduler_remove(self, name):
         try:
             self._schedulers.remove(name)
         except ValueError:
-            pass  # TODO: maybe give a warning?
+            pass
         if name != '':
             name = '.' + name
         name = self._pluginname_prefix + self.get_fullname() + name
         self.logger.debug(f"scheduler_remove: name = {name}")
         self._sh.scheduler.remove(name, from_smartplugin=True)
 
-    def scheduler_get(self, name):
+    def scheduler_get(self, name: str) -> dict:
         """
         This methods gets a scheduler entry of a plugin-scheduler
 
@@ -1032,13 +1086,6 @@ def scheduler_remove_all(self):
     #   Ascyncio handling
     # ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-    from typing import Coroutine, Any
-
-    _asyncio_loop = None        # eventloop of the plugin
-    _asyncio_state = 'unused'   # stored state of the asyncio use of the plugin
-    _used_plugin_coro = None    # plugin coro used when calling start_asyncio (to be able to used by a generic 'restart asyncio' method
-    _run_queue = None           # queue to send commends to the main-coro/plugin-coro
-
     def asyncio_state(self) -> str:
         """
         Returns the state of asyncio for the plugin
@@ -1082,7 +1129,6 @@ def _start_known_asyncio_coro(self) -> None:
             self.pluginThread.start()
         except Exception as e:
             self.logger.error(f"Cannot start thread '{threadname}' - Error: {e}")
-        return
 
     def stop_asyncio(self) -> None:
         """
@@ -1102,9 +1148,8 @@ def stop_asyncio(self) -> None:
             self.logger.notice(f"Error stopping _asyncio_loop_thread: {err}")
             pass
         self._asyncio_state = 'stopped'
-        return
 
-    def _asyncio_loop_thread(self, plugin_coro: Coroutine):
+    def _asyncio_loop_thread(self, plugin_coro: Coroutine) -> None:
         """
         Thread to start and execute the asyncio event loop
 
@@ -1116,8 +1161,6 @@ def _asyncio_loop_thread(self, plugin_coro: Coroutine):
 
         asyncio.run(self._asyncio_main(plugin_coro))
 
-        return
-
     async def _asyncio_main(self, plugin_coro: Coroutine) -> None:
         """
         main coroutine to set up the environment for the coroutine of the specific plugin
@@ -1187,8 +1230,6 @@ async def wait_for_asyncio_termination(self) -> None:
                 # put command back to queue?
                 await asyncio.sleep(0.1)
 
-        return
-
     def put_command_to_run_queue(self, command: str) -> None:
         """
         Put an entry to the run-queue (if implemented in the plugin_coro)
@@ -1205,7 +1246,6 @@ def put_command_to_run_queue(self, command: str) -> None:
             time.sleep(3)
         else:
             self.logger.warning(f"put_command_to_run_queue: Cannot write command '{command}' to run-queue, no active event-loop")
-        return
 
     async def get_command_from_run_queue(self) -> str:
         """
@@ -1233,27 +1273,6 @@ async def list_asyncio_tasks(self) -> None:
                 task.set_name('ListTasks')
             self.logger.notice(f" - {task}")
 
-    # ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-
-    def run(self):
-        """
-        This method of the plugin is called to start the plugin
-
-        :note: This method needs to be overwritten by the plugin implementation. Otherwise an error will be raised
-        """
-        raise NotImplementedError("'Plugin' subclasses should have a 'run()' method")
-
-
-    def stop(self):
-        """
-        This method of the plugin is called to stop the plugin when SmartHomeNG shuts down
-
-        :note: This method needs to be overwritten by the plugin implementation. Otherwise an error will be raised
-        """
-        raise NotImplementedError("'Plugin' subclasses should have a 'stop()' method")
-
-
     def translate(self, txt, vars=None, block=None):
         """
         Returns translated text for class SmartPlugin
@@ -1273,7 +1292,7 @@ def translate(self, txt, vars=None, block=None):
             return lib_translate(txt, vars)
 
 
-    def init_webinterface(self, WebInterface=None):
+    def init_webinterface(self, WebInterface=None) -> bool:
         """"
         Initialize the web interface for this plugin