ethanjli
commented
9 months ago Update: I've written an analysis of the current situation and its challenges for users, as well as a preliminary analysis of the following options:
- include an Ethernet cable and Ethernet-to-USB adapter in PlanktoScope kits
- add software support for an optional USB Wi-Fi dongle, and include a dongle in PlanktoScope kits
My draft can be viewed at https://github.com/PlanktoScope/proposals/blob/c46a4756a5d2206579ac0ff7c4657e8f8437e6a8/design/00307-internet-connectivity.md
Motivation
Currently, it is not very easy for users to connect their PlanktoScope to the internet (especially if they're on a network which has a captive portal), and then connect their computer to their PlanktoScope at the same time. Right now the most consistently reliable configuration is to have the PlanktoScope connect by Ethernet to the internet, and then have the computer connect to the PlanktoScope's Wi-Fi hotspot; or have the PlanktoScope connect by Wi-Fi to the internet, and then have the computer connect to the PlanktoScope by an Ethernet cable (which means an Ethernet-to-USB adapter is usually needed nowadays).
Here are the instructions @tpollina currently provides to FairScope customers on how to keep the computer connected to the internet while it is connected to a PlanktoScope without internet access: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/12lxCvi8_ENIzSPSK5SkBxc61etsmspEb95nlM9cgH3Y/edit#slide=id.g117d1bef1bf_1_226
Proposal
We should figure out what changes to the PlanktoScope distro and/or PlanktoScope hardware kit and/or PlanktoScope hardware design would be needed to simplify the options we will provide users for being able to simultaneously:
(TODO) I will write up a design document evaluating the possible approaches and their consequences, and recommending one or more approaches for us to focus on if this proposal is accepted. Approaches which have been raised so far include: