Network Configuration

WallSense connects over WiFi, over Ethernet with PoE, or over Thread. This page explains the options and what to do when your network changes.

Note: The current firmware is a WiFi test build. Firmware for Ethernet and Thread on the current hardware is not there yet and will follow with release firmware. The name and password of the WiFi setup network are published at release.

Overview

WiFi Setup

WiFi firmware connects to a 2.4 GHz WiFi network. The hardware supports WiFi 6.

1. Switch WallSense on.
2. On first start, WallSense opens a setup network with a captive portal. Connect your phone or laptop to this network.
3. The setup page opens by itself. If it does not, switch off mobile data on your phone or try another device.
4. Choose your own WiFi network and enter the password.
5. WallSense connects to your network, and Home Assistant discovers it.

Check the WiFi signal at the mounting spot. After setup, the WiFi Signal entity shows how strong it is.

Ethernet and PoE

With PoE, one Ethernet cable carries both network and power. It runs from a PoE switch or PoE injector, and you need no separate power adapter at the sensor. WallSense gets its IP address from your network through DHCP.

Ethernet Without PoE

You can also use the Ethernet cable for data only. Power WallSense from 110 to 240 V mains in that case, connected by a qualified installer. USB-C is no alternative, it is only for flashing firmware.

Thread

With the Thread firmware, WallSense joins your existing Thread network and talks to Home Assistant through your Thread border router. All you then need at the sensor is power, no WiFi and no Ethernet cable. See Connect via Thread.

Switching Between WiFi, Ethernet and Thread

WiFi, Ethernet and Thread are separate firmware builds, and WallSense runs one of them at a time. Switching means installing the other firmware. The steps are published at release. Connect the Ethernet cable before you switch, because WiFi stops working as soon as the Ethernet firmware runs.

When Your Network Changes

• New WiFi name or password: WallSense can no longer reach the saved network and opens the setup network again. Connect to it and enter the new details.
• New router: WallSense can get a different IP address. Home Assistant normally finds it again. If it does not, look up the new address and add it through the ESPHome integration.
• Different VLAN: keep WallSense and Home Assistant on the same network, or see Home Assistant Connection.

IP Address

You can find the IP address in two places:

• the WiFi IP Address entity in Home Assistant;
• the list of connected devices in your router.

Set a DHCP reservation in your router if you want the address to stay the same.

WallSense also serves a local web page on port 80. Open its IP address in a browser to see the entities without Home Assistant.

Home Assistant Connection

ESPHome devices are discovered automatically on the same network. Between VLANs, or behind a firewall, allow mDNS and the native API on port 6053, the ESPHome standard.

Bluetooth

The hardware has Bluetooth 5 LE, intended for setup and future extensions. The current firmware does not use it yet.

Troubleshooting