How does an embedded system communicate with a web server?
An embedded system communicates with a web server through internet protocols, often using Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular networks. The typical communication happens via HTTP/HTTPS, with the embedded system acting as a client and the web server as a server. The system collects data from sensors or processes, packages it in a format such as JSON or XML, and sends it over a TCP/IP network to the server using POST or GET requests.
To establish communication, the embedded system uses a network stack, usually implemented through libraries like lwIP (Lightweight IP) for resource-constrained devices. These libraries handle low-level networking tasks like managing IP addresses, handling packets, and ensuring data integrity.
Once the data reaches the web server, it's processed or stored for further use. Similarly, the web server can send commands back to the embedded system, which interprets these and acts accordingly. MQTT and CoAP are also popular protocols for lightweight, efficient communication, especially in IoT devices where low power and bandwidth usage are critical.
Understanding such communication techniques is essential for those working with embedded systems and web integration, which is why an embedded system certification course can be beneficial for mastering these skills.