ESP-IoT-Bridge Solution Introduction

[中文]

ESP-IoT-Bridge Solution Overview

This document will introduce the configuration process and usage of the ESP-IoT-Bridge solution. The ESP-IoT-Bridge solution is mainly aimed at the connection and communication between various network interfaces in IoT application scenarios, such as SPI, SDIO, USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and other network interfaces. In this solution, the Bridge device can not only provide internet access for other devices but also serve as an independent device connecting to remote servers.

Solution Features:

The ESP-IoT-Bridge solution provides multiple network interfaces, which can be divided into two major categories:

  • Interfaces for connecting to the internet

  • Interfaces for helping other devices forward network data to connect to the internet

Users can implement personalized network interface connection solutions through various combinations of different network interfaces, maximizing the network advantages of Espressif chips.

The ESP chips that support the ESP-IoT-Bridge solution are as follows:

  • ESP32

  • ESP32-C3

  • ESP32-S2

  • ESP32-S3

  • ESP32-C2

  • ESP32-C6

  • ESP32-C5

Common Application Scenarios of ESP-IoT-Bridge

ESP-IoT-Bridge:

Wireless/Wired Router Solution:

  • esp-iot-bridge/examples/wifi_router : The ESP-IoT-Bridge device connects to the router through Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet port, and smart devices can access the internet by connecting to the SoftAP hotspot of the ESP-IoT-Bridge device.

Wireless NIC Solution:

  • esp-iot-bridge/examples/wireless_nic : The ESP-IoT-Bridge device can be connected to a PC or MCU through multiple network interfaces (USB/ETH/SPI/SDIO). After a successful connection, a new network card will be added to the PC or MCU. Once provisioned successfully, it can provide internet access for the device.

Wired NIC Solution:

  • esp-iot-bridge/examples/wired_nic : The ESP-IoT-Bridge device can connect to the network by plugging the Ethernet cable into the router’s LAN port and connect to a PC or MCU through multiple network interfaces (USB/SPI/SDIO), providing internet access for the device.

SIM Card Solution:

  • esp-iot-bridge/examples/4g_hotspot : The ESP-IoT-Bridge device can convert cellular networks into Wi-Fi signals after being equipped with a mobile network module with a SIM card. Nearby smart devices can connect to the internet after connecting to its hotspot.

  • esp-iot-bridge/examples/4g_nic : The ESP-IoT-Bridge device can be equipped with a mobile network module with a SIM card. After the network module is connected to the internet, it can connect to a PC or MCU through multiple network interfaces (ETH/SPI/SDIO), providing internet access for the device.

ESP-IoT-Bridge Reference Materials

In addition, we currently have some public ESP-IoT-Bridge solution software development materials and hardware materials, as follows: