Hi Tezza,
The WorkBee CNC Machine uses the Duet Controller, which can be supplied in either WiFi or Ethernet versions. The USB cable is not needed to run the machine, the USB cable is only used to initially commission the machine. The Duet has an SD Card which will hold all the machine settings, web interface, and G-Code project files. G-Code files are uploaded to the SD Card via the WorkBee Control Web Interface. You only need to be connected to the machine to set-up a job, once a job is running, you can disconnect.
The Wi-Fi version connects to an external Wi-Fi network providing there is a strong connection where the machine is to be placed. Please note the Duet can only connect to 2.4ghz networks.
If there is uncertainty over the strength of an external WiFi signal, we would recommend the Ethernet version. The Ethernet version connects directly to your computer’s ethernet port. When connecting directly to a computer, it will be on a separate subnet to any network, so communication between an external network and Duet would not be possible; the communication is direct from the computer to duet. If your computer does not have an Ethernet Port, you can use a USB to Ethernet Port Adaptor.
The WiFi and Ethernet versions of the Duet controller are different boards. Therefore switching from WiFi to Ethernet or vice-versa would not be possible. So we would advise thinking carefully about which would be the most suitable connection method for you.