Connect microcontroller to WiFi?

[zed65]

I'm searching for a WiFi module so I can hookup my PIC with my WiFi.
Hope you guys can suggest a module with fairly simple protocol (I2C, Serial).

Or perhaps it's easier to use cable (Ethernet)?
 

[Gallymimu]

You should be able to do either.  There are lots of choices but here are two items I have used before both from Microchip.

For ethernet:
http://www.microchipdirect.com/ProductSearch.aspx?Keywords=AC164123
this little dev board is designed to be installed in a Microchip Explorer 16 but is based on the fairly easy to use ENC28J60 ethernet controller
http://www.microchip.com/wwwproducts/Devices.aspx?dDocName=en022889

For wifi:
Roving networks RN131 and RN171, also owned by microchip.
Link below is for the pictail daughter board
http://www.microchipdirect.com/ProductSearch.aspx?Keywords=RN-131-PICTAIL
Link for raw RN131
http://www.microchip.com/wwwproducts/Devices.aspx?dDocName=en558369

The biggest effort here is the stack integration into your software.  Again there are many options and microchip might not be the best choice for your application but I found their demos and stacks pretty straight forward to get off the ground.

Both of these are serial interface (UART or SPI)

Hope that helps.

[CocaCola]

Google 'UART WiFi Module Kit'

[dotm]

for ethernet/internet purposes i'd recommend you to switch over to avr and use the fantastic tuxgraphics stack.
I the used to bridge it to wifi as mentioned here:
http://tuxgraphics.org/electronics/201006/avr-wifi.shtml
this may not be the most elegant method, but it worked well for me and the stack is stable and very small.

[hbruno]

You can use Lantronix items :
http://www.lantronix.com/device-networking/wireless.html
it's very simple to use it

[mare69]

I have good experience with Roving Networks RN-171. Here's one breakout board (with altium source) for experimenting:

http://e.pavlin.si/2011/06/19/rn-171-breakout-board/

M.

[elcielo]

Texas instruments

CC3000 SimpleLink™ Wi-Fi Module
http://www.ti.com/product/cc3000

[zed65]

I think I will go with the Roving Networks RN-171. Sparkfun have it in stock

[mario2000]

Hello, there are many modules that can be used to connect a PIC micro or other micro to wifi, such that these modules are extremely easy to use but rather expensive, for example the modules:

http://www.rovingnetworks.com/products/Wi_Fi_Modules

Wizfi modules eysi wifi:


Module WizFi210

Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kED55kjgxDg

Info spanish: http://www.elektor.es/noticias/modulo-serie-a-wifi-de-bajo-consumo.2141813.lynkx


There are also some shield for Arduin, example RN-XV WiFly




You can also use the microchip module MRF24WB0MA


video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKaMa2-wSgE

[mare69]

Bluegiga just released WiFi WF111 module:

http://www.bluegiga.com/wf111-wi-fi-module

See link.

[Brosske]

I tought it was possible with MRF24J40MA (spi / 2.4GHz)

[sn00p]

It depends on what you're wanting to do.

If you want something truly simple an electricimp may be suitable.

It's a device that includes a wifi stack and some simple IO, it runs asynchronously to your device.  You program it via a web interface and configure how/what you want it to communicate (i2c/spi/bit banging), so in your case you'd put software on it to communicate with your microcontroller over i2c.

It just depends on what you want to do and how much effort you want to put it.

Edit:

That WF111 mentioned above doesn't look bad value tbh....goes off to read the datasheet.

Double Edit:

Seems it's not microcontroller friendly.  Says it requires linux.

Triple Edit: (sorry)

WF121 seems to be the device for micro controllers.

[zed65]

It depends on what you're wanting to do.

The thing is, I don't really know what I want to do
I'm thinking if I can connect my microcontroller to a WiFi then to the Internet, the possibilities are endless..

For start, read some ADC/Temp, some I/O:s on and off via Internet.

[Ichan]

For experimenting, easy and quick way is to use SparkFun WiFly Breakout board with RovingNetwoks RN131C (now Microchip). Some samples in there too.

-ichan

[Taner]

Hi,
you can use the Microchip WiFi modules:
http://www.microchip.com/pagehandler/en-us/technology/wifi/products.html

with Microchip's free TCP/IP Stack:
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=2505&param=en535724

 

[Kabron]

serialio.com

[SteveyG]

Hi,
you can use the Microchip WiFi modules:
http://www.microchip.com/pagehandler/en-us/technology/wifi/products.html

with Microchip's free TCP/IP Stack:
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=2505&param=en535724

 

The Microchip tools work well from past experience.

[sherazi]

You can use Lantronix items :
http://www.lantronix.com/device-networking/wireless.html
it's very simple to use it

lantronix solution is very expensive .
does these other modules have easy interface for setting up authorisation settings??

[localcrack]

ESP8266 is cheapest one

Check the following link on sonsivri

http://www.sonsivri.to/forum/index.php?topic=57720.0

[XxMohannadxX]

http://www.mikroe.com/click/wifi-plus/

[Ambient]

The WF121 is good, sometimes can even replace the controller as you can run quite good scripts on it, unless you need to do a lot of fast bit-bashing.

[SamiQ]

If anyone decides to use ESP8266, then I suggest using the AT commands with the help of this library:

https://github.com/ve3wwg/ESP8266

It is a mature, powerful, and reliable SDK.
I have used it successfully with PIC18F87J11 through a serial port @19200 baud.

Best regards,
Sami

[XxMohannadxX]

i think this one for ESP8266 will be helpful
http://nodemcu.com/index_en.html

[mare69]

Check Atmel:
http://www.atmel.com/products/wireless/wifi/

I have played with http://www.atmel.com/devices/ATSAMW25.aspx quite successfully

[cesare]

Check ESP-12-E from ADAFRUIT https://www.adafruit.com/products/2491. ESP-12-E is a module using ESP8266 with embedded antenna and is FCC certified.