WiFi Hotspot

Connecting your Edge Node to Barbara Panel is essential for managing and deploying it within your edge computing network. However, what happens if you need to configure the network settings on a node that isn't registered yet, or if the existing settings are incorrect? Fear not! Barbara Edge Nodes offer a built-in solution: a WiFi hotspot.

This guide will explain how to leverage the built-in WiFi hotspot functionality to access your Edge Node's network configuration interface, even when it's not connected to an existing network. This is particularly helpful if the initial network setup wasn't successful or if you need to modify existing settings.

To utilize the Wi-Fi hotspot feature, two key conditions must be met:

1. Unregistered with Panel: The Edge Node cannot be previously registered with Barbara Panel.
2. WLAN Interface Available: The Edge Node must have a functional Wi-Fi (WLAN) interface onboard.

If these conditions are satisfied, proceed with the steps outlined in this guide to access and configure your Edge Node's network settings through its convenient Wi-Fi hotspot.

WiFi Hotspot Access

The WiFi Hotspot will create a WLAN Network with following access parameters:

• SSID: Your Node's Barbara ID (This will be a unique hexadecimal string).
• Password: The network password will be BarbaraHotspot

See also...

Check this article in case you need to configure full network access for an already registered node.

Use your laptop or any Wi-Fi enabled device to connect to the network broadcasted by your Edge Node. The network name (SSID) will be your node's Barbara ID, and the password is BarbaraHotspot.

Once successfully connected to the Wi-Fi hotspot, open a web browser on your device.

WiFi Hotspot Configuration Site

Open your browser and enter following IP address: http://10.43.0.1

WiFi Hotspot Configuration Site

http://10.43.0.1

This prompts an Edge Node configuration site to open where you can adjust parameters and send them to your device.

WiFi Configuration Site Login

The configuration site displays your node's Barbara ID prominently. Below this, you'll find options for configuring the three network interface types supported by Barbara Platform: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Mobile Network.

Caution

While the WiFi Hotspot Configuration Site displays all three interface options, this doesn't necessarily mean your specific Edge Node possesses all of them.

Only configure the interface type that is physically available on your node.

Look for the available interface for every node in our Barbara Compatible Devices section.

See also...

Check the available interfaces for every Barbara compatible device

WiFi Settings

Locate the Wi-Fi Configuration button on the site. Clicking this button will expand the dedicated Wi-Fi settings area, revealing the configuration options.

Automatic Configuration with DHCP (Default)

WiFi Configuration with DHCP ON

Did you know?

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a networking protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network. This eliminates the need for manual configuration and ensures efficient IP address allocation.

You can find more details about the DHCP protocol in the Microsoft Learn Site.

By default, the configuration site might be set to use DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) for automatic IP address assignment. If the DHCP checkbox is selected, you'll need to configure the following:

• WIFI SSID: Enter the name (SSID) of the Wi-Fi network your Edge Node will connect to.
• WIFI Password: Provide the password for the chosen Wi-Fi network.
• Metric: This value determines the priority of the Wi-Fi interface compared to other network interfaces (if available) on your Edge Node. Lower metric values indicate higher priority (typically a number between 1 and 100).

Manual Configuration (DHCP Disabled)

WiFi Configuration with DHCP OFF

If you prefer a static IP address configuration, disable DHCP by unchecking the DHCP box. This will reveal additional settings:

• IP Address: Set the specific IP address you want to assign to your Edge Node.
• Netmask: Define the subnet mask for your Edge Node's network.
• Gateway: Specify the gateway IP address for the Wi-Fi network you're connecting to.
• DNS: Set the preferred DNS server your Edge Node will use to resolve hostnames.

Ethernet Settings

Locate the Ethernet Configuration button on the site. Clicking this button will expand the dedicated Ethernet settings area, revealing additional configuration options.

Automatic Configuration with DHCP (Default)

Ethernet Configuration with DHCP ON

Again, by default, the configuration site might be set to use DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) for automatic IP address assignment. If the DHCP checkbox is selected, you'll just need to configure:

• Metric: This value determines the priority of the Ethernet interface compared to other network interfaces (if available) on your Edge Node. Lower metric values indicate higher priority (typically a number between 1 and 100).

Manual Configuration (DHCP Disabled)

Ethernet Configuration with DHCP OFF

If you prefer a static IP address configuration, disable DHCP by unchecking the DHCP box. This will reveal additional settings:

• IP Address: Set the specific IP address you want to assign to your Edge Node.
• Netmask: Define the subnet mask for your Edge Node's network.
• Gateway: Specify the gateway IP address for the Ethernet network you're connecting to.
• DNS: Set the preferred DNS server your Edge Node will use to resolve hostnames.

Mobile Settings

Locate the Mobile Configuration button on the WiFi Hotspot Configuration Site. Clicking this button will expand the dedicated mobile settings area. However, note that not all Edge Nodes may have a built-in mobile network interface.

Mobile Configuration

In this case you will need to configure:

• APN (Access Point Name): This is a critical identifier provided by your mobile network operator. Enter the correct APN for your network to establish a data connection.
• User Name (optional): Some mobile network providers require username authentication. If applicable, enter the username provided by your carrier.
• Password (optional): If username authentication is required, provide the corresponding password for your mobile network access.
• DNS: Set the preferred DNS server your Edge Node will use to resolve hostnames.
• Metric: This value determines the priority of the Wi-Fi interface compared to other network interfaces (if available) on your Edge Node. Lower metric values indicate higher priority (typically a number between 1 and 100).

Important Note

Mobile network configuration options and requirements may vary depending on your specific cellular service provider. Refer to your carrier's documentation for detailed instructions on mobile data access settings.

Apply Network Settings

Once you've finished configuring the desired network interface(s) (Wi-Fi, Mobile Network, etc.), it's time to apply the settings to your Edge Node.

Locate the Send button at the bottom of the WiFi Hotspot Configuration Site. Clicking this button transmits the newly configured network settings to your Edge Node.

Applying Network Config

After sending the configuration, the following will occur:

• Edge Node Reboot: Your Edge Node will automatically reboot to implement the new network settings.
• Successful Connection: If the newly configured network settings are valid and the connection is established successfully, the Wi-Fi Hotspot will be automatically disabled.
• Connection Error: If the Edge Node encounters any errors during network connection due to incorrect configuration, the Wi-Fi Hotspot will remain active, allowing you to access the configuration site again and make adjustments.