What is the best way to network multiple Arduinos and also be able to monitor and control all of them with a PC?
Has anyone used Ethernet for this?
Depends on a lot of factors like how far apart the Arduino are, how many, how much data has to be shared, if wires can be strung between them...
In other words: you'll have to be more specific if you wan an optimal answer.
3 - 5 Arduinos in various parts of a house.
Basically, I'm trying to come up with a way to mimic a PLC system for monitoring and controlling various things around the house.
Ccc56:
3 - 5 Arduinos in various parts of a house.Basically, I'm trying to come up with a way to mimic a PLC system for monitoring and controlling various things around the house.
I would suggest then that you use the physical network type that many PLCs use, a full duplex RS-485 using twisted pair wires (two pairs) (RS-485 - Wikipedia). Then you could just use standard arduino serial commands. Make one Arduino the master and the rest slaves that respond to request from the master (which the master could be getting commands from a PC 'master monitor program'. Modbus is a common software protocol used with PLCs and I believe there are some Arduino Modbus sketches and libraries out in the wild.
I would also suggest RS-485, either full-duplex point-to-point (simple) or a half-duplex multi-drop network (usually less wire but software more complicated).
Rob
I would go with an Ethernet over Power solution (if putting Eth cables all around is an issue), ethernet shields, and use a simple web server on the PC (or a pluggable pc solution) with a REST interface for receiving and sending data to the Arduinos
Ccc56:
3 - 5 Arduinos in various parts of a house.
Is your house already wired with Ethernet outlets in every room you want an Arduino?
Does your central router provide Power Over Ethernet or did you plan to provide separate power at each location?