Internet of Things-based Personal Private Server Computing

Abstract

This work demonstrates the possibilities of what can be done with a mobile device and one’s own remote personal computer which are within the reach of the internet. The proposed system makes use of both software and hardware to enable an individual to power up his computer remotely from a location, provided there is power supply and internet connection on both sides. This work intends to demonstrate a small application of what can be done with this technology. A computer can be remotely powered up, followed by logging in and instructed to start up the web server software (Xampp) to enable the personal computer to receive client requests over the internet. The website that the personal computer hosts would be a simple upload download website to enable file transfer between one’s mobile and computer over the internet. More features can be added to the website according to the needs. Finally, the user can stop his web server software and shut down his computer. The required devices in this work would be the desktop personal computer and an android smartphone with both sides having an internet connection. The hardware include the ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module, Arduino Leonardo and 3.3V Relay switch. Each of the programmable device is loaded with its corresponding software for proper functioning. The android smartphone has to be installed with the React-Native application built specifically for this work and the computer has to be installed with the web-server software along with the required php files to handle the client HTTP requests. The IP address of the PC must be entered in order to access its website. Through the website, the user can upload and download the files. The Arduino Leonardo does the job of the keyboard. It is programmed in such a way that upon receiving appropriate serial string messages, the Arduino throws out the appropriate keyboard commands to the computer which is connected to it via a USB serial port. The ESP8266 Wi-Fi module (commonly known as Node MCU) is programmed to connect to Wi-Fi followed by being available to accept client requests and to perform the operations according to the client’s request. The Node MCU is responsible for majority of the tasks as it is connected to the Relay Switch which is to power up the computer. It is also connected to the Arduino Leonardo and serially communicates to it to throw appropriate keyboard commands to the personal computer on occurrence of certain events. The Node MCU is sort of like the external miniature PC/Web Server to power up the actual personal computer.