Best internet options for Arduino

Projects Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

Hi

I have no experience with Arduino, but would like to use one for my project.

What are the best options for connecting Arduino to the internet?

Should I get a:

  • Arduino Uno with a Arduino Ethernet shield?
  • Arduino Uno with a Arduino Wifi shield?
  • Arduino Ethernet?

I wan't him to send sensor information to my server. What option is the most convenient?

2

A lot depends on your situation.

Ethernet tends to be more reliable if the Arduino is going to be sort of close to a hub / router / etc.
Especially in higher electrical noise environments.

If You need it to be more flexible then wireless would be a good choice.
But you have to remember there are range limitations and walls etc can block or attenuate signals.

You should really describe more about what you want your project to do.

3

leavytree:

  • Arduino Uno with a Arduino Ethernet shield?
  • Arduino Uno with a Arduino Wifi shield?
  • Arduino Ethernet?
    I wan't him to send sensor information to my server. What option is the most convenient?

If that is your only criterion, the last, like the EtherTen, is clearly the most convenient. It is also the most expensive. Another option is to connect Ethernet to a WiFi repeater, which can be a better bet than a WiFi shield. Having said that, you still need to explain your project, and what you mean by "internet". You might not even need an Arduino, an ESP8266 may suffice.

4

Nick_Pyner:
If that is your only criterion, the last, like the EtherTen, is clearly the most convenient. It is also the most expensive. Another option is to connect Ethernet to a WiFi repeater, which can be a better bet than a WiFi shield. Having said that, you still need to explain your project, and what you mean by "internet". You might not even need an Arduino, an ESP8266 may suffice.

To be a bit more specific, I would like a microcontroller (I prefer Arduino) to send realtime sensor data to my server for realtime datavisualization.

By internet I mean that the microcontroller has access to the internet for sending/receiving packets.

I am more a C# guy, and don't really understand the differences about the Arduino network options.

Is it possible to use an ESP8266 without a microcontroller?

5

The ESP8266 is a microcontroller. Well, kinda between a microcontroller and microprocessor, really, with more memory, storage, and speed than an Arduino.

I'd suggest you research the NodeMCU and the MQTT protocol.

6

Hey thanks, I looked at the NodeMCU. It seems a solid option aswell.

But I think I will go for the 'Arduino Uno Wifi'. This is the standard Uno board which has the ESP8266 as an integrated wifi module.

I prefer using an Arduino board, so I can enjoy the Arduino community with all examples, tutorials, etc. :wink: