WiFi Network Architectures
There are two WIFI Architectures for connecting sensors to the WIFI network:
1. Direct WIFI connection to existing WIFI router that is already installed
For the home/office this is the least expensive and the most simple way to install and connect sensors to your network. No additional cost besides the sensors' cost. However, this architecture does not provide and backup in case in case of power failures or a WIFI network that is down. More details here.
2. WIFI-to-Cellular connection for remote locations and with power backup
This WIFI architecture connects the sensors directly to a dedicated WIFI-to-Cellular Gateway that transmits the data over cellular to the cloud. The gateway is equipped with a backup LIPO battery and can be powered by the wall outlet, solar panel or a 12Vdc vehicle battery.
More details here.
WiFi - for the home/office where Wifi is widely available
The WIFI Architecture for the home/office is the least expensive and the most simple to install and configure. Taking advantage of the existing home/office WIFI modem and Internet infrastructure the sensors need very little configuration settings. After sensors are connected to the WIFI network they immediately transmit data to the cloud. Data is collected on to a remote dedicated database for further analysis and can also be presented on a Grafana dashboard for easy graphical representation in which the end-user can view time based events. Alerts can also be immediately sent to your smart phone, if required.
The disadvantage of the WIFI architecture is that it provides no backup in case of power failure and precious data may be lost if the Internet is down or if there is a power failure.
Cellular - for remote locations with a cellular gateway in the field
The Cellular Architecture is most suitable for remote locations with no AC power supply and no existing WIFI or internet service. All the sensors are battery operated and although the cellular gateway can be connected to an AC outlet (if available) it can also be powered by solar energy or to be connected to a common 12V-DC vehicle battery. The cellular gateway is also equipped with a LiPo backup battery in case of power failure and can keep on to operate for another 24 hours without power. Alerts are sent in case of power failure and can also be immediately sent to your smart phone if required.
Data is collected onto a remote dedicated database for further analysis and can also be presented on a Grafana dashboard for easy graphical representation in which the end-user can view time based events.