ESP-Mesh-Lite
Mesh networks have become a prevalent choice for both home and enterprise networks thanks to their remarkable ability to extend signal coverage. Consisting of interconnected nodes, traditional Mesh networks can self-organize and self-heal. However, Espressif's innovative ESP-Mesh-Lite powered by the ESP32-C series chip, presents a more lightweight and flexible Mesh networking solution with even stronger self-healing capabilities, stable communication, and optimal resource utilization.
Currently, the solution for remotely controlling device groups through Wi-Fi Mesh networks have encountered certain challenges, including high deployment costs and delays in device control caused by communication methods among sub-nodes. To overcome these hurdles, the integration of ESP RainMaker with the ESP-Mesh-Lite solution offers a standardized approach, enabling original equipment manufacturers to easily control and manage mesh networks. Moreover, the unique algorithms of ESP RainMaker enhances the user experience by allowing the creation of device groups and simultaneous control of multiple devices within these groups through the Mesh network, eliminating any delays. This breakthrough effectively resolves challenges related to tasks such as dimming several bulbs or turning on or off multiple devices at the same time. Users can now enjoy a seamless and hassle-free control experience.
ESP-Mesh-Lite offers several differences and advantages compared to the traditional Mesh architecture:
Preferred root node selection
ESP-Mesh-Lite provides two methods for selecting root nodes: user-specified root node and automatically selected root node. For the user-specified method, designated nodes directly connect to the router and serve as root nodes. Then, other nodes connected to the router will automatically search for the root node for networking purposes. For the automatically selected method, each device transmits an advertising broadcast to the router. The one with the strongest received signal strength indication (RSSI) will be selected as the root node.
Node communication
Traditional Mesh networks allow all nodes to communicate with each other, but require the parent node to maintain the routing tables of all child nodes. In contrast, in ESP-Mesh-Lite, each child node can only communicate with nodes on the same branch, while communication between nodes on different branches is implemented at the application layer. This approach eliminates the need to maintain the routing table, reducing resource consumption.
External network access
In contrast to traditional Mesh networks, where child nodes need to communicate through the parent node to access the external network, ESP-Mesh-Lite allows child nodes to directly access the external network. In the context of ESP RainMaker, this allows each node to have its own identity and connection over MQTT, making control and operations like OTA easier to manage.
Loop-back avoidance, detection, and handling
Traditional Mesh networks rely on routing tables, path verification mechanism, and energy transfer mechanisms to prevent loop-backs among nodes. ESP-Mesh-Lite, on the other hand, utilizes the fields of beacon frames to distinguish devices in the network.
Root node failure recovery
In traditional Mesh networks, when the root node fails, the second-level nodes will re-elect a new root node based on RSSI. However, automatic repair might be challenging if the manually designated root node fails. To overcome this limitation, ESP-Mesh-Lite introduces a new approach. During the initial generation of the root node, ESP-Mesh-Lite automatically ranks the RSSI of all nodes and stores the information as a "will". In case of a node failure, it references the will and selects the second-level node with the highest RSSI as the new root node, ensuring effective repair even if the manually designated root node fails.
Functionality of ESP RainMaker when connected to cloud includes:
Remote control of individual node devices
The ESP-Mesh-Lite architecture allows child nodes to directly communicate with the cloud, so that users may control individual nodes with features such as switching, scheduling, and smart light flashing.
Device grouping
Users can easily group devices based on use cases, for example, group devices in bedrooms or living rooms, without considering the impact of child node routing.
Group device management
Once devices are grouped, the RainMaker cloud records the group ID, enabling users to remotely control the grouped devices, for example, turn on or off devices. All devices receive commands at the same time, ensuring synchronized operation without any delays among devices.
Usage
To try out ESP-Mesh-Lite, please check out the LED light example. This requires the Nova Home app, the instructions for which can be found here.