About to order Workbee WiFi or Ethernet?
Hi everyone,
about to order Workbee. I have good WiFi in my man cave but can’t decide between WiFi or Ethernet.
Any major advantages using either one?
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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.
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This is just your standard information from your website. I was asking if there were any advantages of using either WiFi or Ethernet if signal strength was not an issue. I am fully aware that I need a strong stable WiFi signal for wireless.
Given an ideal setup scenario, what is the connection favoured by others.
Hi Tezza,
I purchased the wifi version back last November. I find it pretty easy to configure and use, I have a couple of laptops in my garage along with the Workbee and both/either connect readily. You can also connect via a phone on the same network.
I quite like the fact that I can upload files on one web interface while someone else is using another web interface (hope that makes sense!)
I guess it's the same hard wired to any local network with wifi access.
Cheers,
Rich.
@terryjan As Richard said above they both are fairly similar. Wifi would be the best one if signal strength was not an issue. Robert
Thanks for the replies. As signal is a stable 30 to 40 mbps I will go WiFi.
