WiFi auto connect API

Function Prototype

void initWiFiAutoConnect();

Description

The initWiFiAutoConnect() function is designed to provide seamless and intelligent WiFi connectivity for Consentium IoT edge devices, such as the ESP8266, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi Pico W. It eliminates the need for manually entering WiFi credentials in the code, making the deployment process more user-friendly, scalable, and secure.

This function first attempts to connect to a previously stored WiFi network. If the device cannot establish a connection, it automatically switches to Access Point (AP) mode, allowing users to configure the network settings via a web-based interface. Once configured, the credentials are saved for future use, ensuring the device connects automatically in subsequent reboots.

This approach makes it ideal for remote deployments, dynamic environments, and non-technical users who need to set up IoT devices without accessing or modifying the firmware.

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Key Features

Zero Hardcoded Credentials – Eliminates security risks by not storing SSID and passwords in firmware. Automatic WiFi Connection – Connects to known networks without user intervention. Fallback AP Mode – Creates a temporary WiFi network if no saved network is available. Web-Based Setup Portal – Users can configure WiFi settings using a simple browser interface. Persistent Network Configuration – Credentials are stored and automatically used for future connections. Auto-Restart on Failure – If the connection fails, the device restarts and retries until successful.

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How to Use

1. Integrate the API in Your Code

Call initWiFiAutoConnect() in the setup() function to ensure the device establishes a network connection before proceeding with other tasks.

Example Usage

#include <ConsentiumThings.h>

ConsentiumThingsDalton board;

void setup() {
    Serial.begin(115200);

    // Establish WiFi connection automatically
    board.initWiFiAutoConnect();

    Serial.println("WiFi connected. Device is online!");
}

void loop() {
    // Your application logic goes here
}

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Behavior of the API

1. Connection to a Saved Network

• The device first attempts to connect to a previously stored WiFi network.

• If successful, it prints the assigned IP address to the Serial Monitor.

2. Automatic Access Point (AP) Mode

• If no known WiFi network is found, the device creates a temporary WiFi Access Point (e.g., ConsentiumIoT_AP_ABC).

• A randomly generated password is displayed in the Serial Monitor.

• Users can connect to this AP using a smartphone or computer and configure WiFi settings via a web interface.

3. Web-Based Setup Interface

• After connecting to the AP, users can open a browser and navigate to the configuration page (typically at 192.168.4.1).

• The interface allows users to select a network and enter a password.

4. Persistent WiFi Credentials

• Once a WiFi network is selected, the credentials are stored in the device’s memory.

• The device reboots and connects automatically in future sessions.

5. Auto-Restart on Connection Failure

• If the connection attempt fails, the device waits for a few seconds and automatically restarts to retry the process.

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Best Practices

Call this function in setup() before executing any WiFi-dependent tasks. Monitor the Serial Output during the first setup to obtain AP credentials if needed. Ensure the device has access to a stable WiFi network to minimize reconnection delays. Use this feature for remote deployments where manual reconfiguration is not feasible.

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Conclusion

The initWiFiAutoConnect() API is an essential tool for Consentium IoT edge devices, making network setup effortless and reliable. By combining automatic WiFi connection, fallback AP mode, and a web-based configuration interface, this API ensures a smooth, scalable, and secure networking experience for IoT applications. Whether used in smart homes, industrial IoT, or edge computing, it provides a robust and fail-proof mechanism to keep devices connected with minimal user intervention.