Introduction
This guide explains the WiFi PRO features and functions.
The WiFi PRO module offers and supports large variety of features which among them:
Ten simultaneous TCP/UDP sockets
DHCP client/server
DNS client
HTTP client
HTTPS client
FTP client
NTP client
Multiple SSIDs
Roaming mode
OTA feature. Refer to Over the Air Programming Guide for more information.
The WiFi PRO module supports the SSL3/TLS1 protocol for secure sockets. On the WLAN interface it supports WEP, WPA and WPA2 WiFi encryption.
Working on bands shared with many WiFi devices may cause poor quality of service. Use the WiFi channels less populated so that the sensor nodes may work with no interference.
Important:
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The information on Libelium's websites has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It should not be relied upon for any specific purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy or completeness.
Connect to a standard router
Sensor nodes may connect to any standard router which is configured as Access Point (AP) and then send data to other devices in the same network such as laptops and smart phones. Once associated with the Access Point, the nodes may ask for an IP address by using the DHCP protocol or use a preconfigured static IP. The AP connection can be encrypted, so the user needs to specify the key to the WiFi PRO module.
Nodes may also connect to a standard WiFi router equipped with DSL or cable connectivity and send data to a web server located on the Internet. Thus users are allowed to get this data from the Cloud.
Connect to a Meshlium
Instead of using a standard WiFi router as AP, the connection may be performed using a Meshlium device as AP. Meshlium is the multiprotocol router designed by Libelium which is specially recommended for outdoor applications as it is designed to resist the hardest conditions in real field deployments.
When is Meshlium recommended?
As pointed before the WiFi PRO module for Waspmote can connect to any standard WiFi router (“home-oriented” or professional) in the market. However, when deploying sensor nodes outdoors you need a robust machine capable of resisting the hardest conditions of rain, wind, dust, etc. Meshlium is specially designed for real deployments for the IoT as it is waterproof (IP-65) and counts with a robust metallic enclosure ready to resist the hardest atmospheric conditions.
Meshlium is also ready to deal with several nodes at the same time, receiving sensor data from all of them and storing it in its internal database automatically. Besides Meshlium is ready to send sensor data to many Cloud software platforms. Just select the most suitable for you, get an account from the provider and configure your Meshlium.
As Meshlium is a multiprotocol router, it may work as a WiFi to 4G/3G/GPRS gateway, giving Internet access to all the nodes in the network, using the mobile phones infrastructure. In addition, Meshlium permits to combine WiFi technology with other protocols such as 802.15.4, RF 868 MHz or RF 900 MHz. Meshlium may work as:
an 802.15.4 to Ethernet/4G/3G/GPRS router for Waspmote nodes
an RF 868/900 MHz to Ethernet/4G/3G/GPRS router for Waspmote nodes
a WiFi Access Point
a WiFi to 4G/3G/GPRS router
a Bluetooth scanner and analyzer
For more information about Meshlium go to: http://www.libelium.com/meshlium
WiFi vs WiFi PRO
Comparative table between the WiFi and the WiFi PRO module for Waspmote:
[v12] WiFi | [v15] WiFi PRO | |
Simultaneous TCP/UDP sockets | 1 | 10 |
HTTP GET | Yes | Yes |
HTTPS POST | No | Yes |
HTTPS GET | No | Yes |
HTTPS POST | No | Yes |
FTP | Yes | Yes |
Multiple SSIDs | No | Yes |
Roaming mode | No | Yes |
Max Tx power | 12 dBm | 17 dBm |
Max Power Consumption | 120 mA | 350 mA |
Figure: Comparative table between WiFi and WiFi PRO
WiFi PRO compatibility:
Item | Compatible | Notes |
Waspmote 12 | Yes | New Waspmote API needed (v025 or newer) |
Waspmote 15 | Yes | New Waspmote API needed (v025 or newer) |
Old WiFi codes | No | The new WiFi module provides new improved examples and libraries |
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