Manuel Ignacio Ayala Chauvin

Group Assignment Networking and Communication

1. Objective

The goal of this project was to design, build, and connect wired or wireless nodes with network or bus addresses, integrating local input and/or output devices to simulate a basic Internet of Things (IoT) interaction between two embedded systems.

2. Introduction

For this assignment, we implemented a communication system using two ESP32-CAM modules. Each device was independently powered and equipped with WiFi capabilities, allowing them to interact through a local wireless network. A crucial feature of the ESP32-CAM is the onboard LED connected to GPIO4, which was leveraged to visually confirm the successful transmission and reception of commands between devices.

3. Materials Used

• 2 ESP32-CAM development boards
• Independent 5V power supplies for each board
• WiFi network (created using a router or mobile hotspot)
• Arduino IDE installed with WiFi.h and HTTPClient.h libraries
• USB-to-Serial adapters for flashing the ESP32-CAM boards
• Push button (for the client device)
• Resistors (for button pull-down configuration)
• Jumper wires and prototyping breadboard

4. Development Process

4.1. Hardware Overview and Initial Setup

Each ESP32-CAM module was mounted on a breadboard and connected to its respective power source. Basic pin configurations were completed, including preparing a push button circuit for the client device to trigger HTTP requests.

4.2. Network Creation

We configured a local WiFi network using a mobile hotspot or router. One ESP32-CAM was programmed to operate as a server, constantly listening for HTTP requests, while the other functioned as a client capable of sending HTTP requests to the server's IP address whenever the button was pressed.

4.3. Establishing WiFi Connection

Both ESP32-CAM boards were programmed with the WiFi credentials of the newly created network. The server board printed its local IP address upon successful connection, which was noted and programmed into the client board for precise targeting of HTTP requests.

4.4. Device Communication and Interaction

After successful network connection, the client ESP32-CAM continuously monitored the state of the push button. When the button was pressed, it sent an HTTP GET request to the server ESP32-CAM. Upon receiving a request, the server toggled its onboard LED state (turning it ON or OFF) depending on the instruction received, providing immediate visual feedback of communication success.

Care was taken to implement debounce delays in the button reading to ensure accurate and reliable operation. Additionally, the HTTP response code and payload were printed on the serial monitor for debugging and verification purposes.

5. Code Overview

Server-side: Listened for incoming HTTP GET requests and toggled the LED accordingly. The server also responded with an acknowledgment message back to the client.

Client-side: Continuously monitored the push button. Upon detecting a press, it sent a GET request to the server and processed the server's response, printing it to the serial monitor for confirmation.

6. Challenges and Solutions

• WiFi Connection Stability: Ensured the network signal strength was adequate and added reconnection logic if disconnected.
• Button Debouncing: Implemented software delay techniques to avoid false triggering.
• HTTP Request Handling: Verified correct URL formats and HTTP status code checks for robust communication.

7. Conclusion

This group project offered an invaluable opportunity to delve into basic IoT communication between two embedded devices using WiFi. By building both the server and client logic, we gained a practical understanding of wireless networking protocols, HTTP communication, and microcontroller programming. The real-time LED response upon request provided immediate feedback that not only confirmed the success of our setup but also reinforced the importance of careful configuration and debugging in networked systems. This foundational exercise prepares us for more complex interconnected systems in future smart device applications.

Individual Assignment Networking and Communication

1.Objective

The objective of this assignment was to design, build, and connect wired or wireless nodes with network or bus addresses, integrating local input and/or output devices.

2. Introduction

For this challenge, I decided to create a system that moves a servo motor from a mobile phone using a WiFi connection. To accomplish this, I used the versatile ESP32-CAM development board, known for its built-in WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities, along with an integrated camera.

3. Materials Used

• ESP32-CAM development board
• SG90 servo motor
• Connection wires
• Power supply (if needed)
• Arduino IDE with WiFi.h and ESP32Servo.h libraries installed

4. Step-by-Step Development

4.1. ESP32-CAM Overview

The ESP32-CAM board provides the connectivity backbone. With its compact design, it is ideal for IoT projects requiring wireless control.

4.2. Wiring the Servo Motor

The servo motor has three wires:

• Red: Positive (+5V)
• Black/Brown: Ground (GND)
• Orange: Signal (PWM)

I connected the orange wire to GPIO4 on the ESP32-CAM, red to 5V, and black to GND.

4.3. Setting Up the Code

First, I included the necessary libraries and configured the WiFi credentials:

4.4. Building the Web Server

Using simple HTTP responses, I created a lightweight web server to interact with the servo:

4.5. Moving the Servo

When the server detects a request ending with GET /H, it commands the servo to sweep from 0 to 180 degrees and back to 0.

4.6. Successful Programming

Once the code was uploaded, the ESP32-CAM automatically reset, indicating that it was ready for action.

4.7. Connecting to WiFi

The monitor displayed successful connection to the WiFi network, along with the assigned IP address.

4.8. Accessing the Web Interface

Entering the provided IP address into a web browser displayed a simple webpage with a clickable link to move the servo motor.

5. Video Demonstration

Watch the project in action: Project Video

6. Conclusion

This experience was incredibly rewarding. I was able to wirelessly control a servo motor from my smartphone through a simple web interface, demonstrating the power and flexibility of the ESP32-CAM. Setting up the server and seeing the servo respond in real-time was both exciting and motivating, showcasing how IoT devices can easily interact with the physical world.