builder555 / wifi-cluster

Connect multiple devices to each other and wifi using a single connection

WiFi Cluster

Connect multiple wifi-enabled devices to each other and to external WiFi using a single connection.

Can create star configuration:

 Master device --> WiFi
 ^     ^     ^
 |     |     |
dev1  dev2  dev3

Why?

• Reduce the load on the host WiFi if devices only need to communicate with each other.
• Allow adding multiple devices if only one is authorized to connect to WiFi
• Can run in a docker container

Requirements:

• The chip must support AP+STA operation (i.e. can connect to a wifi network and create its own AP simultaneously).
• Runs on Linux (balenaOS)
• balena cli

Supported devices:

• Intel AC 8265

Deploying

Balena device:

NB: The device needs to be in local mode for these commands to work:

$ balena push <deviceID>.local

Any linux-based device:

$ scp mesh.sh <yourdeviceip>:
$ ssh <yourdeviceip>
# sh mesh.sh

---

TODO

• can create wifi
• can connect to wifi
• access internet through wifi
• create wifi after reboot
• add lan interface from within a container
• activate existing wifi from within a container
• deactivate wifi from within a container
• create new wifi connection from within a container
• list available connections from container
• connect to master wifi automatically
• can become master
• can become slave
• remove/re-add virtual wlan1 interface if it's unavailable
• can turn on physical wifi device, if it's off
• use ENV vars for configuration
• tests
• create different configurations:
  • star
  • mesh
  • chain
  • clusters
  • ring