multi-client unmanaged network - mDNS

This article explores using mDNS to set up a multi-client network with unmanaged IP addresses or DHCP. The advantage of this over setting up static IP addresses or MAC-based management is that the network requires zero configuration.

This is particularly useful for robots that are deployed in the field and need to be connected to a network without any manual configuration.

mDNS is a protocol that allows you to resolve hostnames to IP addresses on a local network without the need for a DNS server. It is used to discover services and devices on a local network using simple, human-readable names.

Instructions

Overview of steps:

1. Install bonjour/mDNS protocol on any device that will be sharing the network
2. make sure that each device that will be sharing the network has a unique hostname
3. connect to the network with each device and access other machines via <hostname>.local

Example

An example using raspberry pi:

1. Set the hostname of the raspberry pi

    # set the hostname
    sudo hostnamectl set-hostname <new-hostname>
   

2. Install avahi-daemon on the raspberry pi

    # install avahi packages
    sudo apt-get install avahi-*
   

3. Test the connection

    # test the connection
    ping <new-hostname>.local