How do I perform a factory reset on the Wi-Fi modules?

There are two ways to rest the module.

1.) To do a Soft reset type the AT command  <ZR>

Or

2.) Pull the module Reset pin low

How do I enable the UDP protocol on the eS-WiFi modules?

1. Set Protocol to UDP
2. Set Local port number
3. Start UDP Comm Server
EX.
P1=1    Select UDP Protocol
P2=5024    Set Port 5024
P5=1    Start UDP Comm Server

Can the es-Wifi be configured as a Client, Access Point or Webserver with the AT Commands?

Yes, all of the above.

Do you include any drivers with your eS-Wifi modules?

The es-Wifi module is based on a simple AT command set that is used to communicate with the module. You can use a low cost 8/16/32 bit microcontroller to control the eS-WiFi module.

How do I connect the eS-WiFi module to a wireless network?

1. Set Access Point SSID
2. Set Access Point Password
3. Set Access Point Security Mode
4. Use DHCP?
5. Join Network
Ex.
C1=eS-WiFI_Demo Set SSID
C2=LetMeInNow    Set Password
C3=4    WPA2-Mixed
C4=1    Use DHCP
C0    Join

How do set-up a UDP Comm Server using the eS-WiFi module?

1. Set Protocol to UDP
2. Set Local port number
3. Start UDP Comm Sever
EX.
P1=1    Select UDP Protocol
P2=5024     Set Port 5024
P5=1    Start UDP Comm Server

eS-WiFi Module Software Enabled Access Point

The eS-WiFi family of module products has a powerful built in SoftAP function that allows customers to easily command the eS-WiFi module to join a network for the growing number of machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications in the home and in the enterprise. 

The SoftAP function can also be used as well for setting up setup peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and applications such as On-the-Go gaming. The module’s infrastructure mode AP allows both iOS and Android based devices to easily

The eS-WiFi modules are wireless LAN modules that are typically embedded into devices/appliances that connect to home networks, Wi-Fi hot spots, and workplace networks. These devices operate as a station (STA) which can connect to a single wireless router/access point (AP) that is typically hardwired at a fixed location.

The eS-WiFi family of 802.11 b/g/n modules have an embedded microcontroller running a fully integrated TCP/IP stack and a simple to use AT command set.  One of the features described in this application note is the implementation of a Soft Access Point (SoftAP) technology which enables an eS-WiFi module to behave like a wireless AP.

SoftAP Overview

The Inventek eS-WiFi modules are offered with a complete TCP/IP stack and require only a simple AT command over the USB, UART or SPI interface to communicate with the module. In a typical embedded application, a simple 8/16/32 bit microcontroller is used to send the AT command to initiate a SoftAP.  Once the AP is started other devices (users) can join the network and be connected as a client on that network.

Use cases of the SoftAP:

Use Case 1:  Joining a Local Area Network using the SoftAP

You have an embedded product and you want to configure that product to join a network (See Figure 1). One way, to make this happen, is to have the eS-WiFi automatically power up as an Access Point. 

The user can use a PC, tablet or any smartphone to view the AP and type in the SSID and Password. After the user, selects “Join” the Access Point is closed and the eS-WiFi module subsequently turns off the AP and joins the network as a client.

use case diagram for connecting eS WiFi module

Following is the procedure required to implement this use case:

  • Use the “A0” command to activate the SoftAP:
    • i.      Access Point is activated.
    • ii.      DHCP is activated.
    • iii.      Web server is activated.
    • iv.      DNS is activated.
  • Select ” Join” on the Webpage to connect the eS-WiFi module to the selected network:
    • i.      Access Point shuts down.
    • ii.      DHCP shuts down.
    • iii.      DNS shuts down.

The module has now joined the selected network as a client/appliance device.

eS-WiFi Configuration Access Point User Interface

Note: There is also an AT command for changing the name of the Configuration Access Point to identify a specific customer product name or company name, e.g. change “Inventek” to “ABC Corp.”

The user also has the ability to manually enter the information to join a network as well.

SoftAP Manual Join screen shots:

eS-WiFi Access Point User Interface for Manual Join

Use Case 2: Direct Connection to the SoftAP

You have embedded the eS-WiFi module into a printer system or interface box and configured it as a SoftAP that allows smartphones/ PC’s and other devices to make a “Direct Connection” via the eS-WiFi SoftAP function (See Figure 2). The SoftAP enables file transfers, file sharing, printing, and information exchange between as many as 8 clients (STAs). This is all accomplished without the use of a fixed AP.

One way to facilitate this senario is to have the eS-WiFi automatically power up as a SoftAP that a user can view using a PC or any smartphone and selects “Direct Connect” on the eS-WiFi SoftAP web server.  As soon as the user selects “Direct Connect” the Access Point remains running and the client (STA) is connected to the eS-WiFi SoftAP.  This allows WLAN devices to easily connect without the need for a fixed AP and supports WiFi M2M communication and ON-The-GO connections for printing and file sharing.

use case diagram for Direct Connection to the SoftAP

Figure 2:  Use Case 2 – Running eS-WiFi module as SoftAP

Following is the procedure required to implement this use case:

  1. Use the “A0” command to activate the SoftAP:
    • i.      Access Point is activated.
    • ii.      DHCP is activated.
    • iii.      Web server is activated.
    • iv.      DNS is activated.
  2. User selects ” Direct Connect” on the broadcasted Webpage:
    • i.      Access Point continues to run and manage the SoftAP.
    • ii.      DHCP continues to run.
    • iii.      Web server is shutdown, but SoftAP remains visible.

Multiple clients may now connect to the SoftAP.

In summary the “Direct Connection” allows the embedded eS-WiFi to run as a SoftAp with the following capabilities:

  • Supports Client-to-Client (M2M) connections.
  • Supports Client-to-Device/Appliance connections.
  • Supports Eight Simultaneous Connections.
  • Full interoperability.

4.0  SoftAP Features Summary

Feature

Description

Stations Supported

ISM4319 – Two          ISM43362 – Five

SSID Broadcast

Yes

DHCP

Yes

Security

Open (WEP /WPA-PSK in development)