From 6b9a541bd3fd3585312181c8bcc3f35af9fe7563 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: HomeSpan Date: Sun, 9 Oct 2022 09:13:07 -0500 Subject: [PATCH] Update NOW.md --- docs/NOW.md | 7 +++++-- 1 file changed, 5 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/NOW.md b/docs/NOW.md index 8be47cc..5b28741 100644 --- a/docs/NOW.md +++ b/docs/NOW.md @@ -1,6 +1,9 @@ -# Multi-Device Point-to-Point Communication using ESP-NOW +# SpanPoint: Point-to-Point Communication between ESP32 Devices -Like most commercial HomeKit devices, HomeSpan requires a power-consuming always-on WiFi connection, which unfortunately means powering a HomeKit device with batteries is generally not possible. For most applications, this is not a problem since your HomeSpan device will be controlling a real-world light, fan, thermostat, etc., and will likely be plugged into a wall outlet. However, there are some real-world applications where wall outlets are not readily available and battery-power is essential, such as remote temperature sensors, door and window sensors, or standalone switches. +SpanPoint is HomeSpan's integrated implementation of Espressif's ESP-NOW protocol that enables bi-directional communication from one ESP32 device directly to another without the need for a central WiFi network. In a typical setup, one ESP32 device runs a full HomeSpan sketcs (perhaps for a Thermostat Accessory) and connects to HomeKit in the usual fashion. + + +ike most commercial HomeKit devices, HomeSpan requires a power-consuming always-on WiFi connection, which unfortunately means powering a HomeKit device with batteries is generally not possible. For most applications, this is not a problem since your HomeSpan device will be controlling a real-world light, fan, thermostat, etc., and will likely be plugged into a wall outlet. However, there are some real-world applications where wall outlets are not readily available and battery-power is essential, such as remote temperature sensors, door and window sensors, or standalone switches. To address this problem, HomeSpan includes an integrated implementation of Espressif's ESP-NOW protocol that allows for the point-to-point transmission of short messages between ESP32 devices requiring **very little power**. Importantly, ESP-NOW uses the ESP32's existing WiFi radio, so no new hardware is required.