As a newcomer to the field of wireless modules, there are certainly some unclear aspects regarding the role and application scenarios of WiFi modules. In this article, I will explain the role and application scenarios of serial WiFi modules.
WiFi Module
1. Definition:
The serial WiFi module is a widely used wireless communication module that is based on the characteristics of a universal serial interface, compliant with the IEEE802.11 protocol stack network standard, and has a built-in TCP/IP protocol stack. In terms of security, it supports various wireless network encryption methods to ensure the secure transmission of user data, including: WEP64/WEP128/TKIP/CCMP(AES) WEP/WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK. It can achieve any transparent conversion between user serial, Ethernet, and wireless (WiFi) interfaces, allowing traditional serial devices to better join wireless networks.
2. Operating Modes:
The serial WiFi module has two operating modes: AP and STA. AP mode means it can radiate a wireless WiFi network as an access point, while STA mode is the station mode, similar to how our computers connect to a router, acting as the role of a computer.
3. Application Examples Include:
Public utilities and smart energy: thermostats, lighting control, EV chargers, smart meters;
Retail: POS terminals, wireless price tags, digital signage;
Consumer electronics: remote control, network broadcasting, home security, toys;
Remote device management: location and asset tracking, automotive, code updates;
Healthcare and wellness: patient monitoring, health devices, real-time location systems;
Industrial control: chemical sensors, wireless controllers, security systems, M2M communication, etc.
Application Scenarios:
1. Smart Socket Solution
The smart socket solution is primarily based on the SKYLAB WiFi module WU105, achieving wireless data transmission and control functions. SKYLAB provides: 1) hardware reference design; 2) cloud platform services; 3) iOS, Android APP design services; 4) embedded software services; 5) WiFi module WU105.
Smart Socket Solution
Smart socket solution description: The mobile APP connects to WiFi through the router to control the WiFi smart socket with a built-in serial WiFi module, achieving various functions such as scheduling, delay, automatic alarms; power on/off and USB charging, remote control over the network, power statistics, energy saving, etc.; even outside the WiFi coverage area, control can be achieved through the cloud.
2. Remote Video Transmission Solution
In response to the demand for remote video transmission for drones, SKYLAB has independently developed a remote video transmission solution based on the high-power video transmission WiFi module SKW77. By integrating the serial WiFi module into the drone and the ground relay, the mobile phone can send control signals to the drone through the built-in serial WiFi module in the drone and the ground relay, controlling its flight direction, distance, speed, tilt angle, etc.
Drone Remote Video Transmission Solution
Remote video transmission solution description: The mobile end establishes a connection with the ground relay’s WiFi module SKW77 via WiFi, and the ground relay’s WiFi module SKW77 communicates with the drone’s WiFi module SKW77 via WiFi, allowing for the transmission of control signals from the mobile end and the transmission of aerial video data from the drone to the mobile end for real-time viewing!
3. Home Gateway Solution
The gateway can achieve protocol conversion between perception networks and communication networks, as well as between different types of perception networks, enabling both wide-area and local interconnection. Additionally, the home gateway has device management capabilities, allowing users to manage various home appliances and devices, understand relevant information about each appliance and device, and achieve remote control.
Home Gateway Solution
Home gateway solution description: The home gateway device with a built-in serial WiFi module integrates several commonly used self-organizing network communication protocols, enabling communication with devices or subsystems using different protocols simultaneously. Users can control all smart devices connected to the gateway through their mobile phones, thus functioning as a control center for the home network.
4. Bluetooth Gateway Solution
In the Internet of Things application scenarios, BLE Bluetooth and WiFi are the two most widely used wireless communication methods, and the Bluetooth gateway is a gateway device that integrates BLE low-power Bluetooth and WiFi. The Bluetooth gateway has both WiFi and BLE low-power Bluetooth wireless communication methods, and communication between WiFi and BLE Bluetooth is achieved through a serial connection, making it flexible for various applications.
Bluetooth Gateway Solution
Bluetooth gateway solution description: When a mobile Bluetooth device enters the range of a Bluetooth gateway, it connects to the Bluetooth part of the Bluetooth gateway and transmits current data; the Bluetooth part of the Bluetooth gateway receives the data and transmits it to the WiFi module via a serial connection; the WiFi part of the Bluetooth gateway uploads the data to the server via a wireless router (at this time, the Bluetooth gateway requires DC_5V power supply) or the WiFi part of the Bluetooth gateway uploads the data to the server via an RJ45 connection to a POE switch (at this time, the Bluetooth gateway can be powered directly by POE); the control end loads the server data and modifies the current situation; the server calculates and analyzes the positioning information of the Bluetooth device and displays it on the front end, and control commands can also be sent from the server to the Bluetooth gateway’s WiFi, which transmits to Bluetooth, and Bluetooth transmits to the Bluetooth device for control.