Ethernet & zappi v2 / eddi v1

In this article:

• Overview
• Important considerations
• Further important points
• Checking that the Ethernet port is working

Overview

Although the latest versions of zappi, eddi and libbi all come with built-in WiFi and Ethernet, the older models only use a radio link to communicate with each other and the myenergi hub.

Where the radio link is weak it is now possible to install an Ethernet adaptor to allow the devices to communicate with each other over a wired Ethernet link: 

• zappi 2.0 Ethernet board
• eddi 1.0 Ethernet board (Contact Technical Support)

NOTE: As the Ethernet boards need to be fitted inside the zappi / eddi this should only be done by an approved installer or someone competent to carry out the work safely.  Always ensure that the mains are turned off at the main fuse before opening the cover of the zappi or eddi

Important considerations

• With the original zappi and eddi, you will still need a myenergi hub to connect to the Internet, even if you have fitted the Ethernet boards
• It's not essential to fit Ethernet boards in every device - only between the devices that are having problems communicating over the radio link.  Consider an installation with a zappi (master), eddi and a hub.
  
  • If the zappi and eddi are struggling to communicate then both will need to have Ethernet boards fitted
  • However, if the zappi and the eddi are communicating OK, but the eddi cannot reach the hub, then it's only necessary to fit an Ethernet board in the eddi.

Further important points

• All the myenergi devices need to be on the same part of the network - in most cases, this is not an issue, but if you have split your network up into different segments using VLAN's or a second router you may run into problems.   Check that all the myenergi devices are on the same VLAN or router
• Finally, if the network still does not seem to be working you may find that you need to turn the Ethernet off and on again.
  • Try turning the power to the devices off and back on again, or
  • In the Bootloader menu, there is a setting to turn the Ethernet on / off
• harvi does not support Ethernet and must always be connected to the master device using a radio link

Can I use a power line carrier Ethernet extender?

Yes - the myenergi Ethernet link will work over power line carrier extenders provided all the devices are on the same network (LAN)

WiFi extenders/mesh WiFi should also work provided that they support a wired Ethernet connection to the myenergi device.

Ethernet rules

• An Ethernet connection will be used in preference to a wireless link provided both devices have Ethernet connections and are on the same network (LAN)
• The network of myenergi devices can work on a mixture of Ethernet and wireless as long as they are all on the same "channel"
• The Ethernet link should be used to replace the weakest wireless link - If this is between an eddi/zappi then both will need an Ethernet connection.   

Checking that the Ethernet port is working

On the zappi check the Readings menu, page 8/10 You should see a screen like this:

The Enet Tx / Rx counters show the packets being exchanged between the myenergi devices.

Note - this is not traffic to the Internet, just between the devices.