Project Idea, "easy to do" in my head, not so easy to accomplish in reality...

[Cableguy]

Hi guys...

I have an hardware project in my head, that in theory should be quite easy... but its not!

IDEA:

Create a "Bridge" device that can connect to any wifi enabled device, and bridge (route) that connection over to an Ethernet fixed ip device...

In my everyday job, I connect a laptop for a 2 mins job: connect to the ONT through Ethernet (192.168.4.254), open a browser, access the ONT config page, enter a code and save...

I know I can accomplish what I need using a router... I connect using my smartphone, and the router redirects me though the gateway (192.168.4.254)... but a router still is overkill for my needs...
So I thought... maybe I can do it with an ESP8266 or a Raspi3...

The raspi3 Idea seems to be the one more suitable... Maybe I can make a redirect using Apache...
But the SD card would be corrupt due to R/W in no time...

So, back to the ESP8266... Using AP mode along with an Ethernet shield... would this be achievable?

Obviously, all software being B4X based!!!

 

[wonder]

It's not really my field of expertise but, even if someone tells you that you're reinventing the wheel, just go for it!!
Do you know who else "reinvented the wheel"? Albert Einstein! He decided to rewrite physics when the whole world thought that there was nothing more that we could add to Newton's laws. We wouldn't have GPS today if it wasn't for him.

So... go ahead! Create something new!!

 

[Cableguy]

I have been searching for "home made Ethernet shields" and have found a few interesting things, especially circuits based on the W5100 chip, which encapsulates a complete Ethernet shield with minimum external components... seems I may really have a go at this...
My biggest issue will be redirecting raw data from/to the Ethernet side to/from the esp8266

 

[udg]

Have a look at th OSI model and choose the layer on which to build your system. Having both ends on the same layer will ease the data packet exchange.
Indeed a complex project .. but that's the funny part !
And surely you will find valuable hints and help whithin this fantastic community.

 

[Cableguy]

thanks @udg, I think I have already, unknowingly, chosen my layer... Code wise, the only difficulty I can pre-view is the ability to get raw data and pass it on to another port... Is the esp board able to cope with a second serial port? If not, it will be a matter of creating a "client" app to run in the smartphone, and then use the get/post methods directly in B4P...

 

[eps]

Is this not along the lines of IoT?

 

[KMatle]

Just buy a router for 30 bucks (except I don't understand what the problem is). Playing with hw is "nice" but what for in this case?

 

[imbault]

A router is just 2 network cards and software (mostly...)