Does this exist

[nephilim]

I am looking for a wifi device that will broadcast an SSID with a web interface etc, but does not need plugging into a network, literally just broadcasting the SSID and web interface when the power is on. It does not need to do any network traffic, just receive small packets of data.

Is this doable?

[LosOjos]

Maybe I'm missing the point, but how is it supposed to receive any packets of data if it isn't connected to something via a network?

[nephilim]

via wireless? :P literally packet flow will be receiving a single packet every couple of hours which will tell the device to turn something else on. I am trying to create a wireless device at home to control a desk light (I know such devices exist already but want to try to make my own)

[Jamo]

I am looking for a wifi device that will broadcast an SSID with a web interface etc, but does not need plugging into a network, literally just broadcasting the SSID and web interface when the power is on. It does not need to do any network traffic, just receive small packets of data.

Is this doable?

You could just turn a wireless router on with no cables connected and no password. It would broadcast the SSID and webpage. I can guarantee that as soon as someone realises that it is unsecured they will change the password though!!!

[nephilim]

it will have a password, thats not an issue, but I need to be able to configure the back end...

[LosOjos]

I know such devices exist already but want to try to make my own

I think you've answered your own question

Do you have a particular reason for wanting to create your own, or just for curiosity's sake?

If it were me, I'd build a very cheap PC in a Micro-ITX case and have that act as a server for a basic website, then make use of a USB/serial port to control an off-board switch circuit... not that I know how of course!

You could have it boot from a 64mb USB stick attached the an internal USB header running Linux...

[nephilim]

Just doing it purely for the curiosity!! I have a router at home but want to know if I could configure the firmware or something on it

Linksys 54g

[SYNACK]

What you need i a microcontroller with a wireless interface. For sheer ease of use the arduno stuff with a wifi sheild would be very easy to modify and with a relay attached to one of the output ports and your done.

[Blue_Cookeh]

What you need i a microcontroller with a wireless interface. For sheer ease of use the arduno stuff with a wifi sheild would be very easy to modify and with a relay attached to one of the output ports and your done.

Agreed.

If you still want to go down the router/AP approach, buy something like a WRT54G router that has DD-WRT compatibility, you can tinker with that to your heart's content.

[pcstru]

I can't make much sense of the request but how about a Sheeva plug with a wireless dongle plugged into the USB port?

[Jamo]

What you need i a microcontroller with a wireless interface. For sheer ease of use the arduno stuff with a wifi sheild would be very easy to modify and with a relay attached to one of the output ports and your done.

I was going to suggest the Arduino stuff, it is rather good. Can pretty much make anything, they do an ethernet module I believe, coupled with homeplugs you could network to your hearts content

[LosOjos]

I'm interested to see how this turns out, are you planning on posting pics when it's done? I wouldn't know where to start programming a microcontroller for this!

[pcstru]

Arduino WiFi is looking to release in October - ARM-ed to the Teeth, Arduino Hardware Grows Up | Gadget Lab | Wired.com . Might be worth a look.

[nephilim]

I would post up pics yes :-)

[localzuk]

Something like this would do the trick? OpenRD-Base