Lets say you have DirecTV receivers located behind various TVs. And lets say there isn't ethernet cable connecting them to the network. So, how can we control them with myServer?
Answer: Plug Allonis's Wifi 2 Ethernet adapter into the DirecTV's ethernet port!
So, here's what the network would look like:
myServer controller (with Wifi enabled) .......Wifi 2 Ethernet Adapter ______DirecTV's RJ45 jack
With that, myServer can bi-directionally control DirecTV and get it's current status (including "Playing Now").
You can WiFi enable just about any ethernet device!
With good WiFi coverage, this is 2.4ghz 10/100 connectivity. We have tested 10mb thoughput which is very good for "Control Devices" (like DirecTV).
Installation:
Connect the Wifi 2 Ethernet adapter into the device's ethernet jack using a short ethernet cable.
Connect the Wifi 2 Ethernet adapter's USB-C port to a USB-C power supply. You can also use a USB-A to USB-C adapter cable plugged into the TV's USB port (how convenient! - no power cables to run).
When you first power up the device, it will be in "Access Point Mode". Now, using a Wifi laptop or your smartphone, connect to the NetworkBridge-Setup WiFi network. No password is required.
Most laptops / phones will then open the devices webpage at 192.168.200.200 This webpage is where you can connect the Wifi 2 Ethernet device to the myServer's Wifi network. Configure the WiFi network (dropdown) and type that network's password and click Save and restart button. The Wifi2Ethernet device will then reboot and put itself on that network using a DHCP address that your router provides. If you want to use myServer's Pi4/5 Wifi, the access point name is Allonis_Local and the default password is AllonisIOT. Enable Wifi using myServer's Command builder.
The LED on the bottom of the board gives you status:
Blinking Violet: Device is in Access Point Mode and ready for Wifi configuration via your smartphone or laptop PC
Solid Blue: waiting for a device to be connected via Ethernet port
Solid Green: means the device is plugged in and is on the Wifi network
Flashing Green and Blue: Ethernet device is communicating bi-directionally via Wifi (a good thing!)
To put the Wifi2Ethernet device back into Access Point Mode: While the device is powered, put a toothpick into the small hole on the side and press the detent switch for 3 seconds. The light should again start blinking violet.
Now, configure the DirecTV network settings and myServer's DirecTV driver as if it was on an Ethernet cable. Easy Peesy!