Connect DAppNode host to external Wi-Fi

[pablomendezroyo]

Context

DAppNode must be physically connected to a router via Ethernet to work properly (internet connections, open ports through UPnP ...). Ideally, DAppNode host should be able to connect to an external Wi-Fi hotspot, being able to be unplugged from the router.

Approach

Host script

Develop a host script in charge of:

• Make sure the network interface is available and not blocked
• Make sure DAppNodeWifi is not running
• Make sure tools are installed or install them if necessary
• Switch on/off the network interface
• Scan and return wifi networks available
• Create/edit/remove new connections from /etc/network/interfaces
• Return wifi connection status
• Return ethernet connection status
• Switch from ethernet to wifi and vice-versa
• Rollback to ethernet if Wi-Fi went wrong

UIX

• Determine a location for this feature (sytem > advanced ?)
• Wifi flow:
  1. Scan wifi networks
  2. Set credentials
  3. Connect
• Show networks saved
• Minimalist switch component to switch from wifi to ethernet and vice-versa
• Warnings of losing dappnode access

Concerns

• Network interface will be used by the host, any other service will not be able to use it, such as the DAppNodeWifi which must not be running so the network interface is not blocked.
• Blockchain performance may be affected due to the decrease in network speed while using Wi-Fi instead of ethernet connection
• User may lose access to DAppNode if is connected through Wi-Fi and for a period of time if is connected through VPN
• Local IP may change if switch from wi-fi to ethernet ?
• May be interested in the future to include a dappnode installation through wi-fi as well to the installer

[czepluch]

How is the status looking on this? Recently moved and would also like to setup a wifi fallback with my new setup.

[3alpha]

We are not sure we'll implement this as it can cause issues when connection is unstable.