ESP-NOW is a connectionless communication protocol developed by Espressif for wireless data communication between ESP boards. It allows ESP boards like ESP8266, ESP32, ESP32-C, and ESP32-S to communicate directly without a router or Internet connectivity. This enables a private wireless network among ESP devices, eliminating the need for a router, gateway, or Internet access for…
The top mobile app development tools for IoT and electronics
Electronics makers often build mobile apps to control electronic devices. These are typically WiFi or Bluetooth-connected devices controlled by a smartphone. Several software frameworks and tools support the development of native or cross-platform mobile apps for iOS and Android. Some popular frameworks include React Native, Flutter, Xamarin, Swiftic, Ionic, Apache Cordova, Jquery Mobile, and Native…
What is ESP-NOW?
ESP-NOW is a connection-less wireless communication protocol by Espressif, a company that developed the popular Wi-Fi development boards ESP8266 and ESP32. This low-power 2.4 GHz wireless communication protocol allows two paired ESP boards to communicate without a router or Wi-Fi. ESP-NOW communicates in small packets of data within a few hundred meters. This connection remains…
What are the top protocols for IoT projects?
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of interconnected devices that communicate to perform specific tasks or applications. These devices are extensive and include vehicles, appliances, sensors, software, or web services. Effective communication is crucial in any IoT application, allowing these devices to work seamlessly. In an IoT network, device-to-device communication is distinct.…
How to choose the ideal connectivity technology for an IoT project
Many communication technologies are currently available, making choosing one for an Internet-of-Things project potentially daunting. For example, several LP-WAN options exist, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, LoRa, Zigbee, Bluetooth, and cellular technologies like NB-IoT, LTE-M, and 5G. Every connectivity solution has pros and cons, and there isn’t one ideal for all projects. Wi-Fi might seem like the…
How to set-up and build a project using Arduino IoT Cloud
Arduino IoT Cloud, also known as simply Arduino Cloud is a popular Internet-of-Things (IoT) platform for creating, deploying, and managing IoT projects. The platform was launched in 2019 as a Beta version similar to other platforms, such as Blynk. Since then, Arduino Cloud has undergone several upgrades, adding unique features. It’s best known for its…
What is Matter? An all-new smart home standard
Smart home automation is continuously evolving. It’s an emerging segment that has attracted the attention of big tech conglomerates like Apple, Google, and Amazon. However, interoperability has been a significant challenge in smart home installation since its inception. The focus so far has been on integrating a myriad of devices, platforms, and services under a…
How to make an Internet clock using ESP8266
The Internet of things (IoT) offers several interesting applications, including an Internet clock. This timekeeping device uses an Internet connection to synchronize the time with a time server. This ensures highly accurate timekeeping, aligning with online servers’ coordinated universal time (UTC). Most Internet clocks use NTP, a protocol designed to synchronize clocks over a network.…
How to build a Raspberry Pi VPN server
Cyber security is a growing concern. As homes and offices are more connected than ever, the risk of cyber attacks, identity theft, and hacking has increased significantly. A network has several smart devices connected to one another and the internet. In the case of a cyber-attack, each connected device is at risk. One effective way…
How to design an ESP32 WiFi manager using MicroPython
Nearly all the devices we use today — from smartphones, tablets, wearables, and even many of our appliances — connect to the Internet via a home (or office) WiFi network. Internet access to smart devices is typically managed through a web interface or mobile app. Similarly, when we’re out and about, we’ll access WiFi for…
What are the top technologies enabling M2M in 2023?
In today’s digital world, machine-to-machine (M2M) is quickly becoming standard. M2M includes any technology that enables networked devices to exchange data or information. It can be wired or wireless, but the Internet of things (IoT) has made such wireless communication between devices commonplace. The interconnected of things has also made these devices intelligent. Consider how…
Qualcomm launches new Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 mobile platform
Qualcomm Technologies has announced the new Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 mobile platform, which has been creatively engineered to make incredible mobile experiences accessible to more consumers globally. Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 provides effortless, all-day use with fast CPU speeds, sharp photography, videography, and speedy 5G and Wi-Fi for reliable connections. “Snapdragon – at its core…
What are LoRa gateways and what types are available?
A LoRa gateway is a wireless communication technology designed for long-range, low-power communication between devices for the Internet of things (IoT). The LoRa gateway receives the data from devices, forwarding it to a network server, which manages the network and handles the data routing and processing. The gateways typically use a dedicated LoRa concentrator chip…
How to build a portable WiFi repeater using ESP32 or ESP8266
Typically, a WiFi network has a range that’s above 45 meters. The signals are strongest near the router. The further away you move, the weaker the signal. The same is true of thick walls or additional floors in a home or building. The WiFi signals could be completely lost on other floors of a premise. …
TI’s launches SimpleLink family for efficient Wi-Fi and IoT connections
Texas Instruments (TI) introduced a new SimpleLink family of Wi-Fi 6 companion integrated circuits (ICs) to help designers implement highly reliable, secure, and efficient Wi-Fi connections at an affordable price for applications that operate in high-density or high-temperature environments up to 105º C. The first products in TI’s new CC33xx family include devices for Wi-Fi…
Infineon’s new AIROC combines Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth for extended battery life
Infineon Technologies has announced the new AIROC CYW43022 ultra-low power, dual-band Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth combo, extending its broad portfolio of existing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth products. The CYW43022 ultra-low power architecture delivers industry-leading performance, with up to a 65% reduction in power usage during “deep sleep,” significantly extending battery life for applications such as smart…
Vishay enhances its infrared receiver modules for remote-control applications
Vishay Intertechnology has announced that the company upgraded its TSOP2xxx, TSOP4xxx, TSOP57xxx, TSOP6xxx, and TSOP77xxx series infrared (IR) receiver modules for IR remote-control applications with a new Cyllene 2 IC. Designed in-house to ensure long-term product availability and reduced lead times, the new IC allows designers to achieve higher performance with drastically reduced current consumption over a wider voltage…
Renesas launches Wi-Fi development kit with support for Matter protocol
Renesas Electronics Corporation, a supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, announced its first development kit that includes support for the new Matter protocol. Renesas also announced that it will offer Matter support on all future Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low-Energy (LE) and IEEE 802.15.4 (Thread) products — including products from recently acquired Dialog Semiconductor and Celeno Communications. The…
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 now powers Samsung Galaxy Z devices
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. announced that its flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform is powering Samsung Electronics’ latest foldable smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 and Galaxy Z Flip4. The company’s newest flagship platform, Snapdragon 8+, is a premium-tier powerhouse delivering performance enhancements for a boost across all on-device experiences. The new Galaxy Z series…
How to use MicroPython with ESP8266 and ESP32 to connect to a WiFi network
ESP8266 and ESP32 are popular WiFi development boards. These single-board microcontrollers are supported by the MicroPython framework and are often used for the internet of things (IoT). Using MicroPython, ESP8266 and ESP32 can connect to the internet via WiFi and Ethernet. The MicroPython ports use Ethernet or the wireless local area network (WLAN). In this…