Router -> Arduino Gate Opener

Projects General Guidance
1

Hello, everyone. Today I found out about the Arduino, so sorry for my ignorance when it comes to these topics(I'm also a beginner in electronics).

I want to make a wireless community gate opener so that I could use with my Android phone. My plan for the setup is Phone -> Router -> Arduino -> Gate Remote. Now I don't know if this is possible so give me a red flag if not. My question is - would an Ethernet to USB adapter work for my purpose in connecting the Ethernet cable from the router to the adapter and then to the Arduino, allowing me to work through a network socket? Or is the Ethernet Shield mandatory?

Again, sorry for my ignorance. I have to begin somewhere and unfortunately I haven't found the right resources, so I have to bother you guys for help.

Thank you, for your time.

2

There are USB Host devices and USB Masters. The Ethernet to USB adapter expects to be connected to a USB Master. The Arduino is NOT a USB Master. The Ethernet shield is required.

3

Thank you for clearing that up, PaulS. I appreciate it.

4

Another option is to use Bluetooth on your phone to an Arduino Bluetooth or Uni with a bluetooth module. The Amarino project makes a really nice easy to use bundle of all the comms between the phone and the Arduino. It would mean having to write your own Android App though.

5

I do plan on writing the app myself. Bluetooth is another viable option I've been thinking of but I have concerns. For one, I'm not sure if the bluetooth connection distance will reach the community gate as I plan to have the Arduino inside my home. Secondly, I'm not sure about the security of bluetooth as I plan to have it connected all the time.

6

Unless you live pretty close to the gate, forget bluetooth. Typical range is 10 meters or less. That's about 31 feet.

7

I'm guessing a wall would lower that range a bit? I do live closer than 31 feet to the gate, but I'll just go with a sure thing like a router.