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Wireless comunication

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Dageivind
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Hi!

Is it possible for multiple brightening players to communicate wireless with each other? I know its possible to connect them to a local wifi, but would it be possible to make them communicate without connecting them to internet?

I am using them for my event business and will use them at multiple locations all the time - would be too much stress connecting them to the local wifi every time. 
I know it is possible to connect them with ethernet cables, but that is a bit messy at corporate events I would say (for say 20 players connected) 

As I am writing this a came to think of a possible solution. Would this work: If I set them up to run on a local wifi created by a mesh-system or an apple airbase - could they communicate with each other through the wifi-network if I bring this around? Even if I don't connect the mesh or airbase to the local network? 

(hope you get what my poor english is trying to say here)

Look forward to reply. 

 

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6 comments

  • 0
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    Aaron Rollins

    Hi,

    Yes, you can set up BrightSigns in this way. It is not totally clear what type of communications you are trying to achieve between devices so there could be some limitation. To do this you will need to get the wifi module and install them in your devices.

    Aaron

  • 0
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    Allen H. Porter

    You don't need the Internet for the players to work assuming you update content via BA or USB drive.  Assuming you are sending UDP between players for the purpose of sync video or to have one player trigger a function on another player...we have had mixed success doing this over WiFi.  UDP is a connection-less protocol and that coupled with the dropped packets inherent when using WiFi for anything often makes for a less than ideal experience.

    We have used WiFi extensively to update content on players and the WiFi module works very well for that.

  • 0
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    Monica Knutson

    To add to what Aaron and Allen have suggested, you'll want to ensure that the WIFI router that is setup correctly, be it an off-the-shelf Apple Airport or something like a Linksys, Cisco, etc. wireless router.

    Some things of importance:

    • Use the routers DHCP to statically assign IPs to the BrightSIgns.  When you purchase the WIFI cards, they will come with a sticker that shows the MAC address.  You'll be able to use the MAC address within your router to assign static IPs to the devices.  Then, in your BrightSign setup, you can choose automatic DHCP so that it uses the router's DHCP.  This will help with troubleshooting when you'll need to access the Diagnostic Web Server page on the players.

    • You can use Local File Networking for publishing, as long as you have your laptop/PC connected to the WIFI signal from the router.

    • Ensure that the protocols for UDP in the presentation all match and you're using the correct destination and receiver ports, subnet, etc.  When we set these up, we usually use "all devices in the subnet" because they're limited to those on that WIFI router system.

    • Use a protected WIFI SSID! (this should be self evident)

    • Check the wireless router to ensure compatibility with the BrightSign devices you are using.  The WIFI modules for Series 3 and 4 use 802.11a/b/g/n/ac so are widely compatible with today's WIFI routers.

    • If you're using the BrightSign mobile app, you can also trigger UDP actions from your mobile device as long as you've checked the "show on app" tickbox when setting up your UDP triggers.


    • The WIFI antennas are easy to install.  Be sure to line up the flat part of the antenna with the flat part on the endcap of the BrightSign.  And use a light touch when tightening the lock washer and nut.  And an especially gentle turn on the antenna.

    Good luck!

    Cheers,
    Monica

  • 0
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    Dageivind

    Hi,

    Yes, you can set up BrightSigns in this way. It is not totally clear what type of communications you are trying to achieve between devices so there could be some limitation. To do this you will need to get the wifi module and install them in your devices.


    Thanks for the answer. :-)
    I think the communication I am trying to achieve is pretty straight-forward: 
    - One use I am working on is to use these players for multiplayer quiz games. I have a master-player on the "stage" where I present the questions on a big screen. In the audience I have let's say 20 slave devices for 20 different teams of quiz-players. Each slave is connected to the button-panel through GPIO-inputs. The teams push the button corresponding with the answer they think is correct. The slaves then sends a UDP message: Answer A, Answer B, Answer C etc. The Master then sends back another UDP-message to each slave saying if its correct or not, with again triggers a POINTS variable to increase or decrease at each teams screen. (My plan is a bit more complicated than this, but the communication would be the same) 
    - In your experience - would you say this would be a stable, reliable solution if I set up the wifi-connection correct? 

  • 0
    Avatar
    Dageivind

    https://brightsign.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360034719474/comments/360008707314

    Thanks for the answer. :-)
    I think the communication I am trying to achieve is pretty straight-forward: 
    - One use I am working on is to use these players for multiplayer quiz games. I have a master-player on the "stage" where I present the questions on a big screen. In the audience I have let's say 20 slave devices for 20 different teams of quiz-players. Each slave is connected to the button-panel through GPIO-inputs. The teams push the button corresponding with the answer they think is correct. The slaves then sends a UDP message: Answer A, Answer B, Answer C etc. The Master then sends back another UDP-message to each slave saying if its correct or not, with again triggers a POINTS variable to increase or decrease at each teams screen. (My plan is a bit more complicated than this, but the communication would be the same) 
    - In your experience - would you say this would be a stable, reliable solution if I set up the wifi-connection correct? 

  • 0
    Avatar
    Dageivind

    https://brightsign.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360034719474/comments/360008890053

    Thanks for the answer and good information. Its a bit technical for me, but I will have my IT-expert look into this before setting up the wifi. 

    Would you say this is a reliable solution for the use I am describing above? 

     

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