@alteriom/painlessmesh 1.8.2 → 1.8.4

package/docs/getting-started/arduino-manual-install.md

@@ -0,0 +1,313 @@
+# Manual Arduino IDE Installation (ZIP Import)
+
+This guide explains how to manually install painlessMesh in Arduino IDE using a ZIP file. This method is useful when:
+- The Arduino Library Manager hasn't indexed the latest version yet
+- You want to test unreleased versions from GitHub
+- You need a specific version that's not in the Library Manager
+
+## Quick Start
+
+### Method 1: Download Release ZIP
+
+1. **Download** the latest release ZIP from:
+   - [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/Alteriom/painlessMesh/releases)
+   - Look for `painlessMesh-vX.X.X.zip`
+
+2. **Install in Arduino IDE**:
+   - Open Arduino IDE
+   - Go to **Sketch → Include Library → Add .ZIP Library...**
+   - Select the downloaded `painlessMesh-vX.X.X.zip` file
+   - Wait for "Library installed" message
+
+3. **Install Dependencies**:
+   - Go to **Sketch → Include Library → Manage Libraries...**
+   - Search and install:
+     - **ArduinoJson** (v6.21.x or v7.x)
+     - **TaskScheduler** (v3.7.0+)
+
+4. **Verify Installation**:
+   - Go to **File → Examples → painlessMesh**
+   - Open any example (e.g., `basic`)
+   - Verify it compiles
+
+### Method 2: Create ZIP from Repository
+
+If you need to create a ZIP file from the repository source:
+
+```bash
+# Clone the repository
+git clone https://github.com/Alteriom/painlessMesh.git
+cd painlessMesh
+
+# Create Arduino IDE compatible ZIP
+./scripts/create-arduino-zip.sh
+```
+
+This creates `dist/painlessMesh-vX.X.X.zip` ready for Arduino IDE import.
+
+## What's Included in the ZIP
+
+The ZIP file contains:
+- ✅ `src/` - Complete library source code
+- ✅ `examples/` - All Arduino examples (19+ sketches)
+- ✅ `library.properties` - Arduino library metadata
+- ✅ `README.md` - Documentation
+- ✅ `LICENSE` - LGPL-3.0 license
+- ✅ `CHANGELOG.md` - Version history
+- ✅ `keywords.txt` - Syntax highlighting
+
+## Directory Structure
+
+After installation, the library will be in:
+- **Windows**: `Documents\Arduino\libraries\painlessMesh\`
+- **macOS**: `~/Documents/Arduino/libraries/painlessMesh/`
+- **Linux**: `~/Arduino/libraries/painlessMesh/`
+
+```
+painlessMesh/
+├── src/                    # Library source files
+│   ├── painlessMesh.h     # Main header
+│   ├── painlessmesh/      # Core implementation
+│   └── arduino/           # Arduino-specific code
+├── examples/              # Example sketches
+│   ├── basic/
+│   ├── bridge/
+│   ├── mqtt/
+│   └── ...
+├── library.properties     # Library metadata
+├── README.md
+├── LICENSE
+└── keywords.txt
+```
+
+## Creating ZIP Files
+
+### Automated Script
+
+Use the provided script for consistent ZIP creation:
+
+```bash
+# From repository root
+./scripts/create-arduino-zip.sh
+```
+
+**Output**: `dist/painlessMesh-vX.X.X.zip`
+
+**Features**:
+- ✅ Proper directory structure for Arduino IDE
+- ✅ Includes all required files
+- ✅ Excludes development files (.git, test/, .github/)
+- ✅ Matches GitHub release format
+- ✅ Version number from library.properties
+
+### Manual ZIP Creation
+
+If you need to create a ZIP manually:
+
+1. **Create directory structure**:
+   ```bash
+   mkdir -p painlessMesh-package/painlessMesh
+   cd painlessMesh-package/painlessMesh
+   ```
+
+2. **Copy required files**:
+   ```bash
+   # From your painlessMesh repository
+   cp -r src examples library.properties README.md LICENSE .
+   ```
+
+3. **Optional additions**:
+   ```bash
+   cp CHANGELOG.md keywords.txt .
+   ```
+
+4. **Create ZIP**:
+   ```bash
+   cd ..
+   zip -r painlessMesh-v1.8.3.zip painlessMesh/
+   ```
+
+5. **Important**: The ZIP must contain a folder named `painlessMesh` with the library files inside. Do NOT zip the files directly.
+
+## Verification
+
+After installation, verify it works:
+
+### Test Compilation
+
+```cpp
+#include "painlessMesh.h"
+
+painlessMesh mesh;
+
+void setup() {
+    Serial.begin(115200);
+    Serial.println("painlessMesh test");
+    
+    mesh.init("TestNetwork", "password", 5555);
+    Serial.println("Initialized successfully!");
+}
+
+void loop() {
+    mesh.update();
+}
+```
+
+If this compiles without errors, installation is successful!
+
+### Check Examples
+
+The examples should appear in:
+**File → Examples → painlessMesh**
+
+Available examples:
+- basic - Simple mesh network
+- bridge - Internet bridge mode
+- startHere - Quick start template
+- namedMesh - Named mesh networks
+- And 15+ more examples
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### "Library not found" Error
+
+**Problem**: Arduino IDE can't find the library after installation.
+
+**Solutions**:
+1. Restart Arduino IDE
+2. Check installation directory:
+   - Windows: `Documents\Arduino\libraries\`
+   - macOS: `~/Documents/Arduino/libraries/`
+   - Linux: `~/Arduino/libraries/`
+3. Verify folder name is exactly `painlessMesh` (case-sensitive on Linux/macOS)
+4. Check that `library.properties` exists in the painlessMesh folder
+
+### "No such file or directory" Compilation Error
+
+**Problem**: Missing dependency headers like `ArduinoJson.h` or `TaskScheduler.h`.
+
+**Solution**:
+Install dependencies via Library Manager:
+1. **Sketch → Include Library → Manage Libraries...**
+2. Search for:
+   - **ArduinoJson** → Install version 6.21.x or 7.x
+   - **TaskScheduler** → Install version 3.7.0+
+
+### Version Mismatch
+
+**Problem**: Old version still being used after installing new ZIP.
+
+**Solution**:
+1. Delete old version:
+   - Go to `Arduino/libraries/` folder
+   - Delete `painlessMesh` folder
+2. Restart Arduino IDE
+3. Install new ZIP file
+
+### ZIP Structure Error
+
+**Problem**: "Invalid library" error when importing ZIP.
+
+**Cause**: Incorrect ZIP structure.
+
+**Solution**:
+Ensure ZIP contains:
+```
+painlessMesh-v1.8.3.zip
+└── painlessMesh/           ← Must have this folder
+    ├── src/
+    ├── examples/
+    └── library.properties  ← Must have this file
+```
+
+**Common mistake**: Zipping files directly without the `painlessMesh` folder.
+
+## Comparing with Library Manager
+
+| Feature | Manual ZIP Install | Library Manager |
+|---------|-------------------|-----------------|
+| **Latest Version** | ✅ Immediate | ⏱️ 24-48h delay |
+| **Pre-release Testing** | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
+| **Custom Versions** | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
+| **Ease of Use** | ⚠️ Manual | ✅ Automatic |
+| **Updates** | ⚠️ Manual | ✅ One-click |
+| **Dependencies** | ⚠️ Manual | ✅ Auto-install |
+
+## When to Use Each Method
+
+### Use Manual ZIP Installation When:
+- 🔧 Testing unreleased features from GitHub
+- 🚀 Need the absolute latest version immediately
+- 🐛 Testing a bug fix before official release
+- 📦 Library Manager hasn't indexed latest version
+- 🔬 Developing or contributing to painlessMesh
+
+### Use Library Manager When:
+- 📱 Installing for the first time
+- 🔄 Need easy updates
+- 👥 Stable production deployments
+- 🎓 Learning or following tutorials
+- 📚 Standard development workflow
+
+## Automated Releases
+
+The repository automatically creates proper ZIP files on each release:
+
+1. **GitHub Actions** workflow builds ZIP on every release
+2. **ZIP file** uploaded to GitHub Releases page
+3. **Format** matches Arduino IDE requirements exactly
+4. **Naming**: `painlessMesh-vX.X.X.zip`
+
+Download from: https://github.com/Alteriom/painlessMesh/releases
+
+## For Library Maintainers
+
+### Creating Release ZIPs
+
+The release workflow automatically creates proper ZIP files:
+
+```yaml
+# .github/workflows/release.yml
+- name: Prepare library package
+  run: |
+    mkdir -p package/painlessMesh
+    cp -r src examples library.properties README.md LICENSE package/painlessMesh/
+    cd package
+    zip -r ../painlessMesh-v${{ steps.version.outputs.version }}.zip painlessMesh/
+```
+
+### Script Usage
+
+For local testing before release:
+
+```bash
+# Create ZIP for current version
+./scripts/create-arduino-zip.sh
+
+# Output: dist/painlessMesh-vX.X.X.zip
+# Ready for testing in Arduino IDE
+```
+
+### Testing Installation
+
+Before releasing:
+
+1. Create ZIP with script
+2. Install in fresh Arduino IDE
+3. Test compilation of examples
+4. Verify examples menu shows all sketches
+5. Check dependency resolution
+
+## Additional Resources
+
+- 📚 [Full Installation Guide](../../website/docs/getting-started/installation.md)
+- 🎯 [Quick Start Tutorial](../../website/docs/getting-started/quickstart.md)
+- 🔧 [PlatformIO Installation](../../website/docs/getting-started/installation.md#platformio-installation)
+- 🐛 [Troubleshooting Guide](../../website/docs/troubleshooting/common-issues.md)
+- 📖 [API Reference](https://alteriom.github.io/painlessMesh/#/api/doxygen)
+
+## Questions or Issues?
+
+- 💬 [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/Alteriom/painlessMesh/discussions)
+- 🐛 [Report Issues](https://github.com/Alteriom/painlessMesh/issues)
+- 📚 [Documentation](https://alteriom.github.io/painlessMesh/)

package/docs/implementation/BRIDGE_ARCHITECTURE_IMPLEMENTATION.md

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+# Bridge-Centric Architecture Implementation
+
+## Overview
+
+This document describes the implementation of the bridge-centric architecture with automatic channel detection for painlessMesh, as specified in issue #XX.
+
+## Implementation Summary
+
+### New Features
+
+#### 1. `initAsBridge()` Method
+
+**Location:** `src/arduino/wifi.hpp`
+
+**Purpose:** Simplifies bridge node setup by automatically detecting router channel and configuring mesh accordingly.
+
+**Signature:**
+```cpp
+void initAsBridge(TSTRING meshSSID, TSTRING meshPassword,
+                  TSTRING routerSSID, TSTRING routerPassword,
+                  Scheduler *baseScheduler, uint16_t port = 5555)
+```
+
+**Behavior:**
+1. Connects to router in STA mode
+2. Waits up to 30 seconds for connection
+3. Detects router's WiFi channel using `WiFi.channel()`
+4. Falls back to channel 1 if connection fails
+5. Initializes mesh on detected channel
+6. Re-establishes router connection using `stationManual()`
+7. Automatically sets node as root (`setRoot(true)`)
+8. Sets mesh as containing root (`setContainsRoot(true)`)
+9. Provides comprehensive logging at each step
+
+#### 2. `scanForMeshChannel()` Helper Function
+
+**Location:** `src/painlessMeshSTA.cpp`, `src/painlessMeshSTA.h`
+
+**Purpose:** Scans all WiFi channels to find a specific mesh SSID.
+
+**Signature:**
+```cpp
+static uint8_t scanForMeshChannel(TSTRING meshSSID, bool meshHidden)
+```
+
+**Behavior:**
+1. Performs WiFi scan on all channels (channel parameter = 0)
+2. Iterates through scan results looking for matching SSID
+3. Supports hidden networks (empty SSID matches when hidden flag is set)
+4. Returns channel number if found, 0 if not found
+5. Cleans up scan results with `WiFi.scanDelete()`
+6. Provides detailed logging
+
+**Platform Support:**
+- ESP32: Uses `WiFi.scanNetworks(false, meshHidden, false, 300U, 0)`
+- ESP8266: Uses `WiFi.scanNetworks(false, meshHidden, 0)`
+
+#### 3. Auto Channel Detection for Regular Nodes
+
+**Location:** `src/painlessMeshSTA.cpp` (enhanced `stationScan()`)
+
+**Purpose:** Allows regular nodes to automatically find and join mesh on any channel.
+
+**Behavior:**
+- When `channel=0` is passed to `init()`, triggers auto-detection
+- Calls `scanForMeshChannel()` to find mesh
+- Updates mesh channel if found
+- Falls back to channel 1 if mesh not found
+- Only runs once at initialization
+
+**Usage:**
+```cpp
+mesh.init(MESH_PREFIX, MESH_PASSWORD, &userScheduler, MESH_PORT, WIFI_AP_STA, 0);
+```
+
+## Technical Details
+
+### Channel Detection Algorithm
+
+```
+Bridge Node (initAsBridge):
+1. WiFi.disconnect()
+2. WiFi.mode(WIFI_STA)
+3. WiFi.begin(routerSSID, routerPassword)
+4. Wait for connection (30s timeout)
+5. If connected:
+   - detectedChannel = WiFi.channel()
+6. Else:
+   - detectedChannel = 1 (fallback)
+7. init(meshSSID, meshPassword, ..., detectedChannel)
+8. stationManual(routerSSID, routerPassword)
+9. setRoot(true), setContainsRoot(true)
+
+Regular Node (channel=0):
+1. scanForMeshChannel(meshSSID, hidden)
+2. If found:
+   - mesh->_meshChannel = detectedChannel
+3. Else:
+   - mesh->_meshChannel = 1 (fallback)
+4. Continue with normal stationScan()
+```
+
+### Error Handling
+
+#### Router Connection Failure
+- **Timeout:** 30 seconds
+- **Fallback:** Channel 1
+- **Logging:** Error message indicating failure
+- **Behavior:** Mesh still initializes, but on default channel
+
+#### Mesh Not Found (Regular Nodes)
+- **Fallback:** Channel 1
+- **Logging:** Info message about fallback
+- **Behavior:** Node creates mesh on channel 1 or waits for mesh to appear
+
+### Memory Considerations
+
+**Bridge Initialization:**
+- Temporary WiFi connection during setup
+- No additional persistent memory usage
+- Scan results cleaned up immediately
+
+**Channel Scanning:**
+- Temporary scan results buffer
+- Cleared with `WiFi.scanDelete()`
+- No memory leaks
+
+### Timing Considerations
+
+**Bridge Initialization:**
+- Router connection: Up to 30 seconds
+- Total initialization time: ~35-40 seconds worst case
+- Can be optimized by reducing timeout if needed
+
+**Regular Node Auto-Detection:**
+- Single scan of all channels: ~5-10 seconds
+- Only happens once at startup
+- Subsequent scans use detected channel
+
+## Backward Compatibility
+
+### No Breaking Changes
+
+All existing code continues to work:
+
+```cpp
+// Old code - still works
+mesh.init(MESH_PREFIX, MESH_PASSWORD, &userScheduler, MESH_PORT, WIFI_AP_STA, 6);
+mesh.stationManual(ROUTER_SSID, ROUTER_PASSWORD);
+mesh.setRoot(true);
+
+// New code - simplified
+mesh.initAsBridge(MESH_PREFIX, MESH_PASSWORD, ROUTER_SSID, ROUTER_PASSWORD, &userScheduler);
+```
+
+### Migration Path
+
+Users can migrate incrementally:
+1. Keep existing bridge code working
+2. Update bridge nodes to use `initAsBridge()` when convenient
+3. Update regular nodes to use `channel=0` for auto-detection
+4. No rush - both approaches work simultaneously
+
+## Testing
+
+### Test Coverage
+
+**Automated Tests:**
+- ✅ All existing unit tests pass (500+ assertions)
+- ✅ No regressions detected
+- ✅ Build system validates compilation
+
+**Manual Testing Required:**
+- 🔲 Bridge on router channel 1, nodes join successfully
+- 🔲 Bridge on router channel 6, nodes join successfully
+- 🔲 Bridge on router channel 11, nodes join successfully
+- 🔲 Bridge fails to connect to router, uses channel 1
+- 🔲 Regular node can't find mesh, falls back to channel 1
+- 🔲 Hidden network support
+- 🔲 Multiple nodes joining sequentially
+- 🔲 Reconnection after bridge reboot
+- 🔲 Reconnection after router reboot
+
+### Test Scenarios
+
+#### Scenario 1: Basic Bridge Operation
+```
+1. Setup bridge node with initAsBridge()
+2. Setup 2-3 regular nodes with channel=0
+3. Verify all nodes join mesh
+4. Verify mesh channel matches router channel
+5. Verify bridge has Internet connectivity
+6. Verify messages flow through mesh
+```
+
+#### Scenario 2: Router Connection Failure
+```
+1. Setup bridge node with invalid router credentials
+2. Verify bridge falls back to channel 1
+3. Verify mesh still forms
+4. Verify error logging is clear
+```
+
+#### Scenario 3: Hidden Network
+```
+1. Configure router as hidden SSID
+2. Setup bridge with initAsBridge()
+3. Verify bridge detects hidden router channel
+4. Setup regular nodes with channel=0 and hidden=true
+5. Verify nodes find and join hidden mesh
+```
+
+## Known Limitations
+
+### Current Implementation
+
+1. **Single Bridge Only:** Architecture assumes one bridge node
+2. **2.4GHz Only:** Works on channels 1-13 (standard WiFi b/g/n)
+3. **No 5GHz Support:** Limited by ESP32/ESP8266 hardware
+4. **Blocking Initialization:** Bridge init blocks for up to 30 seconds
+
+### Future Enhancements
+
+1. **Multi-Bridge Support:** Load balancing between multiple bridges
+2. **Async Initialization:** Non-blocking bridge setup
+3. **Channel Change Detection:** Auto-restart if router changes channel
+4. **Callback Notifications:** Events for channel detection, connection status
+5. **Configurable Timeout:** User-specified timeout for router connection
+
+## Performance Impact
+
+### Bridge Node
+- **Initialization Time:** +30s worst case (router connection timeout)
+- **Memory Usage:** No additional runtime overhead
+- **CPU Usage:** Minimal, only during initialization
+
+### Regular Nodes
+- **Initialization Time:** +5-10s (one-time channel scan)
+- **Memory Usage:** No additional runtime overhead
+- **CPU Usage:** Minimal, only during initialization
+
+### Network Performance
+- **No runtime impact** - Channel detection only happens at startup
+- **Mesh operation** - Identical to manual configuration after init
+
+## Documentation Updates
+
+### Files Modified
+- ✅ `README.md` - Added bridge quick start section
+- ✅ `BRIDGE_TO_INTERNET.md` - Complete rewrite with new approach
+- ✅ `CHANGELOG.md` - Release notes for v1.7.8+
+- ✅ `examples/bridge/bridge.ino` - Updated to use `initAsBridge()`
+- ✅ `examples/basic/basic.ino` - Shows auto-detection
+- 🔲 API documentation (Doxygen comments in headers)
+- 🔲 Wiki pages (if applicable)
+
+### Documentation Quality
+- Clear code examples
+- Expected output logs
+- Troubleshooting sections
+- Migration guide
+- Best practices
+
+## Security Considerations
+
+### Password Handling
+- Passwords stored in SRAM during setup
+- Not persisted to flash (WiFi.persistent(false))
+- Cleared after connection established
+
+### Network Security
+- No changes to WiFi security model
+- Inherits WPA2 security from WiFi stack
+- No new attack vectors introduced
+
+### Code Safety
+- Input validation on SSID/password strings
+- Timeout handling prevents infinite loops
+- Fallback behavior prevents bricked devices
+
+## Code Quality
+
+### Static Analysis
+- ✅ Compiles without warnings
+- ✅ Follows existing code style
+- ✅ Matches repository conventions
+- ✅ No memory leaks detected
+
+### Code Review Checklist
+- ✅ Clear, self-documenting function names
+- ✅ Comprehensive inline comments
+- ✅ Error handling at all levels
+- ✅ Logging for debugging
+- ✅ Platform-specific code properly ifdef'd
+- ✅ No magic numbers (all constants defined)
+
+## Release Checklist
+
+### Pre-Release
+- ✅ Code implementation complete
+- ✅ Documentation updated
+- ✅ CHANGELOG updated
+- ✅ Examples updated
+- ✅ Backward compatibility verified
+- ✅ All automated tests pass
+- 🔲 Manual testing complete
+- 🔲 Code review approved
+- 🔲 Security scan clean
+
+### Release
+- 🔲 Version number bumped
+- 🔲 Git tag created
+- 🔲 Release notes published
+- 🔲 Arduino Library Manager updated
+- 🔲 PlatformIO Registry updated
+- 🔲 NPM package published
+
+### Post-Release
+- 🔲 Monitor issue tracker for bugs
+- 🔲 Update documentation based on feedback
+- 🔲 Create migration guide if needed
+
+## References
+
+- Issue #XX: Feature request for bridge-centric architecture
+- PR #XX: Implementation pull request
+- `BRIDGE_TO_INTERNET.md`: User-facing bridge documentation
+- `README.md`: Quick start guide
+
+## Contributors
+
+- Implementation: GitHub Copilot (@copilot)
+- Architecture Design: Based on feedback from @woodlist
+- Review: @sparck75
+
+---
+
+**Document Version:** 1.0  
+**Last Updated:** 2025-11-08  
+**Status:** Implementation Complete, Testing Pending