Although Wi-Fi remains a dominant method of communication in many internet-based applications, a deep understanding of alternative wireless communication protocols is essential for building efficient, flexible, and scalable projects—especially when using a powerful microcontroller like the ESP32. This book serves as a comprehensive guide to communication protocols tailored for the ESP32 microcontroller, showcasing practical, real-world applications. Projects range from a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon exchanging data with a smartwatch, to long-range LoRa communication between microsatellites orbiting 550 kilometers above Earth and an ESP32 module receiving data at ground level.
At the heart of the ESP32 is a dual-core Tensilica Xtensa LX6 or LX7 processor, depending on the variant, capable of clock speeds up to 240 MHz. It features integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (Classic and BLE), hardware security acceleration, low-power modes, and a rich array of peripherals, making it a highly capable platform for edge computing and IoT integration. This processing power allows developers to handle real-time data acquisition, wireless communication, encryption, media streaming, and control logic—all within a compact, power-efficient form factor.
In addition to exploring diverse communication protocols, the book examines the various hardware formats of the ESP32, including modules with embedded cameras, displays, and extended GPIOs. Each format offers unique strengths that cater to specific application requirements, from wearable BLE devices to remote-controlled robot vehicles and autonomous environmental monitors. By understanding the differences among ESP32 boards—such as the ESP32-WROOM, ESP32-WROVER, ESP32-S2, ESP32-C3, and ESP32-CAM—you’ll be better equipped to match the right processor and protocol to your specific project goals.
Many of the communication protocols and ESP32 board variants covered in this book have only become widely available in recent months and years, ensuring the content is both timely and forward-looking. The hands-on examples and technical insights reflect current trends in IoT development and embedded system design.
Each chapter is structured as a standalone guide, allowing you to dive into any topic without needing to read the book sequentially. The content is loosely organized into three thematic areas:
-
Short- and long-range wireless communication
-
Image capture and transmission to remote displays or web servers
-
Mobile and web-based control of ESP32-powered devices
You’ll discover how the strengths of each protocol map to different types of applications, enabling you to make informed decisions during your project planning and execution.
What You’ll Learn
-
Understand and implement MESH networking and ESP-NOW, enabling ESP32-to-ESP32 communication without relying on a traditional Wi-Fi network
-
Design email-based ESP32 control systems and generate QR codes for triggering specific device functions
-
Work with the ESP32-CAM module, equipped with a 2-megapixel camera, to stream images over WebSocket to remote devices or microcontrollers
-
Build and control an ESP32-CAM robot car, complete with live image streaming to an Android mobile device and remote control over the internet
-
Integrate LoRa communication for extreme-range, low-power connectivity between ESP32 nodes and remote sensors or gateways
-
Implement secure, lightweight communication techniques using BLE, MQTT, and WebSockets in mobile and web-enabled applications
Whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or professional developer, this book provides the knowledge and practical experience needed to master ESP32-based communication protocols and apply them across a diverse range of IoT projects. More information…
