# Connecting to the Device

RoboDot's flexible connectivity offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), USB/Serial and Radio communication options. This ensures flexibility, allowing users to choose wireless or wired connections based on their specific needs. BLE offers quick, energy-efficient communication for low-power applications, while USB/Serial provides a reliable wired alternative for environments where wireless connections may not be ideal.

## Wifi  <a href="#wifi---robodot-as-access-point" id="wifi---robodot-as-access-point"></a>

RoboDot offers flexibility by functioning as either an access point or a station. When operating as an access point, it creates a local network that facilitates device communication without requiring an internet connection. This mode is ideal for local control and data exchange. However, if internet access is necessary, RoboDot can be configured as a station to connect to external Wi-Fi hotspots, thus enabling internet connectivity while maintaining its functionality and integration capabilities.

### RoboDot as Access Point <a href="#wifi---robodot-as-access-point" id="wifi---robodot-as-access-point"></a>

When devices such as phones, computers, or controllers connect to RoboDot's Wi-Fi network, users can easily access its Web UI for configuration and management. Additionally, the RoboDot supports NTRIP Caster functionality, allowing for seamless real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning data transmission. This setup also facilitates TCP and UDP connections, enhancing network communication flexibility, enabling the integration of third-party applications, and ensuring the efficient flow of data within the local network environment created by RoboDot.

#### Setup

1. Power on the RoboDot device&#x20;
2. Connect via PC or smartphone to Wi-Fi access point RoboDot\_### (where ### is the device's unique serial number)&#x20;
3. Type the IP address displayed on the main touch screen into a web browser to see the Web UI

#### Tips

* No password is required to join RoboDot wifi
* Don't use https. Just type the IP address into the address bar.
* RoboDot does not provide internet access but does create a local network.
* RoboDot Access Point allows for 1 client (Wi-Fi station) to connect at a time.

### RoboDot as a Station <a href="#wifi---robodot-as-a-station" id="wifi---robodot-as-a-station"></a>

![Wifi Access Point Setup in Settings Page](https://3970396156-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAHx1CooB2IXOtJ8EhDIi%2Fuploads%2Fz71JUUVKOp1y6ssH50xt%2Fwifi.jpg?alt=media\&token=05c42db6-b876-4a11-97fc-362c6891a484)

When RoboDot connects to a Wi-Fi access point such as a hotspot, home, or office network, it gains the capability for internet connectivity, which is crucial for certain functionalities. This method is particularly required when RoboDot engages in activities that require internet access, such as performing firmware updates, accessing VRS correction services, or enabling internet access for other devices that interact with RoboDot.&#x20;

#### Steps

* Connect a device directly to the RoboDot\_### Wi-Fi
* Use a web browser on your device to navigate to the IP address displayed on the touch screen&#x20;
* Set up hotspot credentials in the settings page under the "Configure" form&#x20;
* Click "connect now" to connect to the hotspot&#x20;
* Enable "Connect on boot" in the settings page for automatic connection on startup for subsequent uses.

{% hint style="info" %}
Once RoboDot connects to the new network, you can only access it on that network and IP as displayed on the touch screen.
{% endhint %}

### Internet access on browser <a href="#internet-access-on-browser" id="internet-access-on-browser"></a>

Some pages only work properly when the browser has internet access (e.g., Map page, Share page). Internet access is not strictly required for Base/Rover operations.

#### Using iPhone <a href="#using-iphone" id="using-iphone"></a>

iPhone can connect directly to RoboDot Wi-Fi while still enabling applications to use data for internet

#### Using Android <a href="#using-android" id="using-android"></a>

It's not possible to use internet data on Android while connected to RoboDot Wi-Fi.  Connect RoboDot as a Station to the Android device's hotspot for full feature access

### TCP <a href="#tcp" id="tcp"></a>

To send *NMEA* from RoboDot to other devices over TCP connection as a Rover, or to send RTCM3 corrections to other devices as a Base:

Enable the TCP Server in the settings page. The TCP server is on port 1000.

### UDP <a href="#udp" id="udp"></a>

To send *RTCM3* from RoboDot to other devices via UDP:

Enable UDP output and set your desired port in the settings page.

## Bluetooth Low Energy <a href="#bluetooth-low-energy" id="bluetooth-low-energy"></a>

To send *NMEA* from RoboDot to other devices over bluetooth use BLE Rover mode.

## Serial Outputs <a href="#serial-outputs" id="serial-outputs"></a>

The USB-C port provides CDC serial communication over USB. In RoboDot versions 3.1.16 and above, serial outputs are set automatically. Per this table:

| **Mode** | **Output Type** |
| -------- | --------------- |
| Base     | RTCM3           |
| Rover    | NMEA            |
| Repeater | RTCM3           |

The serial port should be configured to 115200 baud.

## LoRa Input/Output <a href="#lora-inputoutput" id="lora-inputoutput"></a>

{% content-ref url="lora-radio" %}
[lora-radio](https://docs.robota.us/robodot-touch-user-guide/lora-radio)
{% endcontent-ref %}