Summary of Ethernet Relay board
This article introduces an IoT-ready Ethernet relay board designed to remotely control 220V loads and monitor digital/analog inputs. It features a built-in web server for browser-based access, password protection, and API support for custom interfaces like smartphone apps, enabling smart control of devices such as gates, lights, and irrigation systems without complex setups.
Parts used in the Ethernet-controlled relay board:
- LAN interface
- 4 relays
- 8 programmable I/Os
- 4 analog inputs
- Integrated Web server
- User login system (username and password)
- Dedicated web APIs
LAN interface with 4 relay, 8 programmable I/Os and 4 analog inputs, IoT-ready.
How many times have you read or heard about the Internet of things (Iot)? The Internet of things is an expression that is becoming more and more popular lately; it represents the expansion of the Internet into the world of objects and physical locations. Thanks to this technology, many objects that used to be exclusively passive, can now become interactive and coordinate between themselves and interact with the user; they become more intelligent and thanks to the Internet connection they allow to share generated data with the user or another board that can also be in another continent.
However, in this scenario, the term “intelligence” is often misused. In fact, many times the IoT includes not only electronic devices capable of making autonomous decisions in order to simplify our everyday life, but also the plethora of products that used to be stand-alone. For this reason, all we have to do is equipping our older devices with an Internet connection.
OUR SYSTEM
The project we are introducing in this article wants on to take on that task by creating, through dedicated connections, the possibility to remotely control your entrance gate, your fish tank, the garden lights, the watering system and so on, using numerous examples. It is an ethernet-controlled relay board, which can be used as an actuator to directly control 220 V loads, to command 0V ÷ 5V digital signals or to read the status of digital or analog inputs; everything can be done remotely by using an Internet capable LAN.
Nowadays, there are many alternatives to take advantage of remote controls. However, the board we are proposing here is simple both in terms of electric connections and in terms of user interface. The board has a powerful integrated Web server that allows, using a browser, to access the control panel. Besides, it allows setting a username and password in order to login protect the access. This way, changing the output status (relays or additional signals) and controlling the inputs status (digital and analog inputs) becomes a really simple and immediate operation. Finally, implementing a Web server allows creating alternative control interfaces (for instance, smartphone apps) since all the functions of the control panel are available through dedicated web APIs.
Read more: Ethernet Relay board
- What is the main function of the introduced system?
The system allows remote control of entrance gates, fish tanks, garden lights, and watering systems via a dedicated Internet connection. - Can this board directly control 220 V loads?
Yes, it acts as an actuator to directly control 220 V loads using its relays. - How does a user access the control panel?
Users access the control panel through a browser by connecting to the board's powerful integrated Web server. - Is there security protection for accessing the device?
Yes, the system allows setting a username and password to protect access to the control panel. - Can the board read both digital and analog inputs?
Yes, the board can read the status of both digital and analog inputs remotely. - Does the board support creating alternative control interfaces?
Yes, implementing a Web server allows creating alternative interfaces like smartphone apps using dedicated web APIs. - What signals can the board command?
The board can command 0V ÷ 5V digital signals in addition to controlling relays. - Why is the term intelligence often misused in IoT scenarios?
It is often misused because many IoT products are simply stand-alone devices equipped with an Internet connection rather than making autonomous decisions.
