Support for RAK ethernet module

.github/workflows/pr-build-check.yml

@@ -31,8 +31,11 @@ jobs:
           - Heltec_v3_room_server
           # nRF52
           - RAK_4631_companion_radio_ble
+          - RAK_4631_companion_radio_ethernet
           - RAK_4631_repeater
+          - RAK_4631_repeater_ethernet
           - RAK_4631_room_server
+          - RAK_4631_room_server_ethernet
           # RP2040
           - PicoW_repeater
           # STM32

docs/cli_commands.md

@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ This document provides an overview of CLI commands that can be sent to MeshCore
   - [GPS](#gps-when-gps-support-is-compiled-in)
   - [Sensors](#sensors-when-sensor-support-is-compiled-in)
   - [Bridge](#bridge-when-bridge-support-is-compiled-in)
+  - [Ethernet](#ethernet-when-ethernet-support-is-compiled-in)
 
 ---
 
@@ -975,3 +976,25 @@ region save
 **Note:** Returns an error on boards without power management support.
 
 ---
+
+### Ethernet (when Ethernet support is compiled in)
+
+Ethernet support is available on RAK4631 boards with a RAK13800 (W5100S) Ethernet module. Use the `_ethernet` firmware variants (e.g. `RAK_4631_repeater_ethernet`) to enable this feature.
+
+---
+
+#### View Ethernet connection status
+**Usage:**
+- `eth.status`
+
+**Output:**
+- `ETH: <ip>:<port>` when connected (e.g. `ETH: 192.168.1.50:23`)
+- `ETH: not connected` when Ethernet is not active
+
+**Notes:**
+- Available on repeater and room server firmware only. Companion radio ethernet firmware does not expose a CLI.
+- The Ethernet interface obtains an IP address via DHCP automatically on boot.
+- A TCP server listens on port 23 (default) for CLI connections.
+- Connect with any TCP client (e.g. `nc`, PuTTY) to access the same CLI available over serial.
+
+---

docs/faq.md

@@ -97,6 +97,7 @@ A list of frequently-asked questions and answers for MeshCore
   - [7.5. Q: What is the format of a contact or channel QR code?](#75-q-what-is-the-format-of-a-contact-or-channel-qr-code)
   - [7.6. Q: How do I connect to the companion via WIFI, e.g. using a heltec v3?](#76-q-how-do-i-connect-to-the-companion-via-wifi-eg-using-a-heltec-v3)
   - [7.7. Q: I have a Station G2, or a Heltec V4, or an Ikoka Stick, or a radio with a EByte E22-900M30S or a E22-900M33S module, what should their transmit power be set to?](#77-q-i-have-a-station-g2-or-a-heltec-v4-or-an-ikoka-stick-or-a-radio-with-a-ebyte-e22-900m30s-or-a-e22-900m33s-module-what-should-their-transmit-power-be-set-to)
+  - [7.8. Q: How do I use Ethernet with a RAK4631?](#78-q-how-do-i-use-ethernet-with-a-rak4631)
 
 ## 1. Introduction
 
@@ -880,3 +881,27 @@ For companion radios, you can set these radios' transmit power in the smartphone
 | **Heltec V4** | Standard Output | 10 dBm | 22 dBm | |
 | | High Output | 22 dBm | 28 dBm | |
 ---
+
+### 7.8. Q: How do I use Ethernet with a RAK4631?
+ **A:**
+MeshCore supports Ethernet on RAK4631 boards using the [RAK13800](https://docs.rakwireless.com/product-categories/wisblock/rak13800/datasheet/) WisBlock Ethernet module (based on the W5100S chip).
+
+**Hardware required:**
+- RAK4631 WisBlock Core
+- RAK19007 or RAK19018 WisBlock Base Board (with an available IO slot)
+- RAK13800 WisBlock Ethernet module
+- Ethernet cable connected to a network with a DHCP server
+
+**Firmware:**
+Flash one of the Ethernet-enabled firmware variants:
+- `RAK_4631_repeater_ethernet` - Repeater with Ethernet CLI access
+- `RAK_4631_room_server_ethernet` - Room server with Ethernet CLI access
+- `RAK_4631_companion_radio_ethernet` - Companion radio over Ethernet (replaces BLE)
+
+**Connecting:**
+- The device obtains an IP address via DHCP automatically on boot.
+- For repeaters and room servers, connect to the device on TCP port 23 using any TCP client (e.g. `nc <ip> 23` or PuTTY in raw mode). This gives you the same CLI available over serial/USB.
+- For companion radio firmware, the Ethernet interface replaces BLE as the transport to companion apps. Connect on TCP port 5000 (same as the WiFi companion radio).
+- Use the `eth.status` CLI command to check connection status and see the assigned IP address.
+
+---

examples/companion_radio/main.cpp

@@ -12,19 +12,20 @@ static uint32_t _atoi(const char* sp) {
   return n;
 }
 
+
 #if defined(NRF52_PLATFORM) || defined(STM32_PLATFORM)
   #include <InternalFileSystem.h>
   #if defined(QSPIFLASH)
     #include <CustomLFS_QSPIFlash.h>
     DataStore store(InternalFS, QSPIFlash, rtc_clock);
   #else
-  #if defined(EXTRAFS)
-    #include <CustomLFS.h>
-    CustomLFS ExtraFS(0xD4000, 0x19000, 128);
-    DataStore store(InternalFS, ExtraFS, rtc_clock);
-  #else
-    DataStore store(InternalFS, rtc_clock);
-  #endif
+    #if defined(EXTRAFS)
+      #include <CustomLFS.h>
+      CustomLFS ExtraFS(0xD4000, 0x19000, 128);
+      DataStore store(InternalFS, ExtraFS, rtc_clock);
+    #else
+      DataStore store(InternalFS, rtc_clock);
+    #endif
   #endif
 #elif defined(RP2040_PLATFORM)
   #include <LittleFS.h>
@@ -74,13 +75,21 @@ static uint32_t _atoi(const char* sp) {
   #ifdef BLE_PIN_CODE
     #include <helpers/nrf52/SerialBLEInterface.h>
     SerialBLEInterface serial_interface;
+  #elif defined(ETHERNET_ENABLED)
+    #include <helpers/nrf52/SerialEthernetInterface.h>
+    SerialEthernetInterface serial_interface;
   #else
     #include <helpers/ArduinoSerialInterface.h>
     ArduinoSerialInterface serial_interface;
   #endif
 #elif defined(STM32_PLATFORM)
-  #include <helpers/ArduinoSerialInterface.h>
-  ArduinoSerialInterface serial_interface;
+  #ifdef ETHERNET_ENABLED
+    #include <helpers/nrf52/SerialEthernetInterface.h>
+    SerialEthernetInterface serial_interface;
+  #else
+    #include <helpers/ArduinoSerialInterface.h>
+    ArduinoSerialInterface serial_interface;
+  #endif
 #else
   #error "need to define a serial interface"
 #endif
@@ -107,7 +116,6 @@ void halt() {
 
 void setup() {
   Serial.begin(115200);
-
   board.begin();
 
 #ifdef DISPLAY_CLASS
@@ -152,10 +160,23 @@ void setup() {
 
 #ifdef BLE_PIN_CODE
   serial_interface.begin(BLE_NAME_PREFIX, the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->node_name, the_mesh.getBLEPin());
+  the_mesh.startInterface(serial_interface);
+#elif defined(ETHERNET_ENABLED)
+  Serial.print("Waiting for serial to connect...\n");
+  unsigned long timeout = millis();
+  while (!Serial) {
+    if ((millis() - timeout) < 5000) { delay(100); } else { break; }
+  }
+  Serial.println("Initializing Ethernet adapter...");
+  if (serial_interface.begin()) {
+    the_mesh.startInterface(serial_interface);
+  } else {
+    Serial.println("ETH: Init failed, continuing without Ethernet (mesh only)");
+  }
 #else
   serial_interface.begin(Serial);
-#endif
   the_mesh.startInterface(serial_interface);
+#endif
 #elif defined(RP2040_PLATFORM)
   LittleFS.begin();
   store.begin();
@@ -225,4 +246,8 @@ void loop() {
   ui_task.loop();
 #endif
   rtc_clock.tick();
+
+#ifdef ETHERNET_ENABLED
+  serial_interface.loop();
+#endif
 }

examples/simple_repeater/main.cpp

@@ -8,6 +8,11 @@
   static UITask ui_task(display);
 #endif
 
+#ifdef ETHERNET_ENABLED
+  #define ETHERNET_CLI_BANNER "MeshCore Repeater CLI"
+  #include <helpers/nrf52/EthernetCLI.h>
+#endif
+
 StdRNG fast_rng;
 SimpleMeshTables tables;
 
@@ -18,6 +23,9 @@ void halt() {
 }
 
 static char command[160];
+#ifdef ETHERNET_ENABLED
+static char ethernet_command[160];
+#endif
 
 // For power saving
 unsigned long lastActive = 0; // mark last active time
@@ -90,6 +98,9 @@ void setup() {
   mesh::Utils::printHex(Serial, the_mesh.self_id.pub_key, PUB_KEY_SIZE); Serial.println();
 
   command[0] = 0;
+#ifdef ETHERNET_ENABLED
+  ethernet_command[0] = 0;
+#endif
 
   sensors.begin();
 
@@ -99,13 +110,18 @@ void setup() {
   ui_task.begin(the_mesh.getNodePrefs(), FIRMWARE_BUILD_DATE, FIRMWARE_VERSION);
 #endif
 
+#ifdef ETHERNET_ENABLED
+  ethernet_start_task();
+#endif
+
   // send out initial zero hop Advertisement to the mesh
 #if ENABLE_ADVERT_ON_BOOT == 1
   the_mesh.sendSelfAdvertisement(16000, false);
 #endif
 }
 
 void loop() {
+  // Handle Serial CLI
   int len = strlen(command);
   while (Serial.available() && len < sizeof(command)-1) {
     char c = Serial.read();
@@ -124,14 +140,34 @@ void loop() {
     Serial.print('\n');
     command[len - 1] = 0;  // replace newline with C string null terminator
     char reply[160];
+    reply[0] = 0;
+#ifdef ETHERNET_ENABLED
+    if (!ethernet_handle_command(command, reply)) {
+      the_mesh.handleCommand(0, command, reply);
+    }
+#else
     the_mesh.handleCommand(0, command, reply);  // NOTE: there is no sender_timestamp via serial!
+#endif
     if (reply[0]) {
       Serial.print("  -> "); Serial.println(reply);
     }
 
     command[0] = 0;  // reset command buffer
   }
 
+#ifdef ETHERNET_ENABLED
+  ethernet_loop_maintain();
+  if (ethernet_read_line(ethernet_command, sizeof(ethernet_command))) {
+    char reply[160];
+    reply[0] = 0;
+    if (!ethernet_handle_command(ethernet_command, reply)) {
+      the_mesh.handleCommand(0, ethernet_command, reply);
+    }
+    ethernet_send_reply(reply);
+    ethernet_command[0] = 0;
+  }
+#endif
+
 #if defined(PIN_USER_BTN) && defined(_SEEED_SENSECAP_SOLAR_H_)
   // Hold the user button to power off the SenseCAP Solar repeater.
   int btnState = digitalRead(PIN_USER_BTN);

examples/simple_room_server/main.cpp

@@ -3,6 +3,11 @@
 
 #include "MyMesh.h"
 
+#ifdef ETHERNET_ENABLED
+  #define ETHERNET_CLI_BANNER "MeshCore Room Server CLI"
+  #include <helpers/nrf52/EthernetCLI.h>
+#endif
+
 #ifdef DISPLAY_CLASS
   #include "UITask.h"
   static UITask ui_task(display);
@@ -17,6 +22,9 @@ void halt() {
 }
 
 static char command[MAX_POST_TEXT_LEN+1];
+#ifdef ETHERNET_ENABLED
+static char ethernet_command[MAX_POST_TEXT_LEN+1];
+#endif
 
 void setup() {
   Serial.begin(115200);
@@ -67,6 +75,9 @@ void setup() {
   mesh::Utils::printHex(Serial, the_mesh.self_id.pub_key, PUB_KEY_SIZE); Serial.println();
 
   command[0] = 0;
+#ifdef ETHERNET_ENABLED
+  ethernet_command[0] = 0;
+#endif
 
   sensors.begin();
 
@@ -76,6 +87,10 @@ void setup() {
   ui_task.begin(the_mesh.getNodePrefs(), FIRMWARE_BUILD_DATE, FIRMWARE_VERSION);
 #endif
 
+#ifdef ETHERNET_ENABLED
+  ethernet_start_task();
+#endif
+
   // send out initial zero hop Advertisement to the mesh
 #if ENABLE_ADVERT_ON_BOOT == 1
   the_mesh.sendSelfAdvertisement(16000, false);
@@ -99,14 +114,34 @@ void loop() {
   if (len > 0 && command[len - 1] == '\r') {  // received complete line
     command[len - 1] = 0;  // replace newline with C string null terminator
     char reply[160];
+    reply[0] = 0;
+#ifdef ETHERNET_ENABLED
+    if (!ethernet_handle_command(command, reply)) {
+      the_mesh.handleCommand(0, command, reply);
+    }
+#else
     the_mesh.handleCommand(0, command, reply);  // NOTE: there is no sender_timestamp via serial!
+#endif
     if (reply[0]) {
       Serial.print("  -> "); Serial.println(reply);
     }
 
     command[0] = 0;  // reset command buffer
   }
 
+#ifdef ETHERNET_ENABLED
+  ethernet_loop_maintain();
+  if (ethernet_read_line(ethernet_command, sizeof(ethernet_command))) {
+    char reply[160];
+    reply[0] = 0;
+    if (!ethernet_handle_command(ethernet_command, reply)) {
+      the_mesh.handleCommand(0, ethernet_command, reply);
+    }
+    ethernet_send_reply(reply);
+    ethernet_command[0] = 0;
+  }
+#endif
+
   the_mesh.loop();
   sensors.loop();
 #ifdef DISPLAY_CLASS