Switching power over IP
The fact that I am operating my ASUS WL-500GP as a backup file server and as a APRS gateway and given that it is running continuously, makes it look attractive to use it as a power controller also. There are basically two approaches:
- control a power switch directly through the serial or USB port of the router
- just use it as a login hub to send switching commands over IP.
1 power switching over serial / USB
I have started a project to try out the first option: I have purchased a relay board that can take commands over a serial/USB interface. I have now built theboard into a PCB case and I have installed the main switches, but not everything is in place yet. I'm also still a little unsure if the case is too small. So to me it seems possible that I'll kick the case all over and build a new case. Honestly, it is really a bit narrow in there and given that there might be some heat dissipating from the switches, it might be a cause of annoyances.
Since this is an open issue right now, stay tuned, you'll read more.
2 power switching over IP
There are rather cheap modules that can take switching commands purely on the basis of an IP connection. Though, I have not yet purchased any of them and so I cannot judge if they are good or bad...
- http://www.elv.de/output/controller.aspx?cid=74&detail=10&detail2=18008
- http://www.heise.de/ct/projekte/netz-schalter/
Note that IP switches could be combined with a fonera router to switch remote devices over WIFI!