ESP NOW: Espressif's Wireless-Communication Protocol

This video demonstrates ESP-NOW, which is a wireless communication protocol based on the data-link layer defined by Espressif. The big difference ESP-NOW makes is that it reduces the five layers of the OSI model to only one. Also, there is no need for packet headers or unpackers on each layer, which leads to a quick response reducing the delay caused by packet loss in congested networks. Additionally, ESP-NOW occupies fewer CPU and flash resources than traditional connection protocols, while it co-exists with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE. ESP-NOW supports various series of Espressif chips, providing a flexible data transmission that is suitable for connecting “one-to-many” and “many-to-many” devices. Moreover, ESP-NOW can be used as an independent, auxiliary protocol that helps with device provisioning, debugging, and firmware upgrades.
All in all, ESP-NOW, Espressif’s wireless communication protocol is efficient, responsive, and easy-to-develop.
Relevant Resources
- ESP-NOW v1.0: github.com/espressif/esp-now/...
In ESP-NOW v1.0 bugs have been fixed and the code comments and examples have been improved (see Release Note for details). We will continue to update and adjust the functional architecture of ESP-NOW to achieve a more product-oriented ESP-NOW solution.
- ESP-NOW protocol documentation: docs.espressif.com/projects/e...
- If you would like to learn more about ESP-NOW, Espressif’s wireless-communication protocol, or if you have any questions about it, please contact our customer support team via the following link: www.espressif.com/sales

[@georgea.3562]

Used ESP-NOW for my bachelor thesis and now doing related research on a PhD level. Thank you Espressif.

[@EspressifSystems]

Many thanks for sharing this piece of information, George, and for continuously supporting Espressif Systems. Do get in touch with our engineers if you ever have any questions, either via esp32.com / github.com/espressif or via our technical support team: www.espressif.com/en/contact-us/technical-inquiries. Good luck with your PhD and let us know about the specific project you've been worked on, when it's over!

[@UserName-cb6jz]

​@@EspressifSystems The number one thing we would all like to see is a GREATLY reduced power consumption, for a much longer battery life. Second thing would be a better and less noisy ADC and its independence from WiFi usage (not losing pins if WiFi is on). Third thing would be PWM outputs going up to 100kHz with multi-phase capability and independent of code (hardware based for reliable running of multi-phase PWM converters).

[@bobby9568]

Its not like you became a super saiyan now that you're doing PhD. You're still a PhD student, seen so many dumb PhD students unfortunately. Copying papers and changing a screw doesn't make you smart, sorry.

[@nabeelkirmani]

This is very impressive. Espressif is way ahead in the game than its competitors. Please guide us on how to use it alongside Wi-Fi in Arduino Framework.

[@WistrelChianti]

Yup, some general guidance on best practice around use to the two in tandem would be handy. Case in point, I'd be interested in how best to manage a device that primarily uses wifi, but enable it to detect and talk to other (foreign to the wifi network) devices via ESP NOW, when they come near.

[@chrenz3803]

Nice to see that it’s still alive. Used it in an industrial project and works flawlessly.

[@iliasalaur]

I'm a big fan of Espressif, and I am happy to know, that it is growing and developing really cool stuff

[@Dagor]

ESP-NOW is amazing. I’m building a quadruped robot with 12 degrees of freedom and each actuator is ESP32 based and communicated through ESP-NOW.

[@MArifinDobson]

Awesome, would love to see it working 👍✨

[@Dagor]

@@MArifinDobson In my channel I have the progress. Full robot video coming soon.

[@proto_hexagon5649]

how you use the ESP-NOW protocol? its working with already ESP32 on market or need buy specific one?

[@wolframsmith5]

impressive mate, hope to see your project working soon

[@Dagor]

@@proto_hexagon5649 Any regular ESP32 devkit will work

[@AllTheNamesWereInUse]

Simply amazing, glad I invested in so many of these devices! :)

[@xamashee]

ESPs even better each day!

[@sosuskeaiezen9637]

I love the way you present the information. Keep up the good work!!!

[@EspressifSystems]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@elmovandermerwe]

I am a big fan of what Espressif is doing.

[@MArifinDobson]

Oh my gosh, this is beyond amazing and awesome guys, thank you soo much for working on this 👍👍👍✨

[@JaromirKopp]

ESP-NOW has 5 years or more, ;-) I used this with my systems for years - works great. Now is simpler to use and has plenty of use ready function. Before I must write this myself

[@MArifinDobson]

@@JaromirKopp awesome, that's what so great about esp, not just the amazing hardware but software support as well ✨

[@bitosdelaplaya]

Fantastic !!!!!!!!!!! I have plenty of esp module (32 and 8266). And one of my project rely on rssi and distance. I'm going to study that in two week. Espressif clearly think like makers !!

[@chung_myung.]

I believe ESP-NOW is the future.

[@ZsomborZsombibi]

That was an informative video.

[@giangem37]

Thanks for good device, it took my embedded system connect to the world.

[@tlamont941]

WOW, Esp-Now has come a long way, I have been using it for years as part of my home automation. I designed my own 6 and 9 button remote controlls and door sensors. I works fast and great battery life.

[@prashanthprashanth7418]

@Tony Lamont can u help me. I am also like to do home automation like you

[@prashanthprashanth7418]

How can I contact you

[@brayanalmonte4758]

Wow this is insane!

[@donnysdp]

Such a brilliant from Espressif. Btw I'm developing the ESP-Now protocol on my Final Test of College to Implement a Body-to-Body Network using ESP-Now to send several data from human's WBAN (3 sensors based on qSOFA Score on a Medical Terms) to the ESP32 through a Mesh Network. Wish me luck guys! And I hope ESP-Now can manage my idea on my Final Test with zero problems!

[@EspressifSystems]

Many thanks for your support and best of luck to you for your ESP-based College project! Let us know when it's ready 😀

[@donnysdp]

@@EspressifSystems thx a lot!!

[@OnurDinler]

thank you for sharing..

[@manukalias]

I am a Espressif Fan from India 😍😍

[@efiron]

Отличный протокол. Подключается мгновенно, по MAC адресу можно вычислять, кто отправил пакет и отправить ответ. С трёх точек получал пакеты параллельно со скоростью тысячи пакетов с каждого устройства и это не предел. Работает стабильно. Не требует маршрутизатора. В общем одни плюсы. Можно организовать mesh-сеть. Рекомендую.

[@pr200sd]

В этом режиме обычный вариант подключения по IP с возможностью запустить web server недоступен, я правильно понимаю?

[@efiron]

@@pr200sd Нет. может работать параллельно с Wi-Fi протоколом. Перед использованием я инициализирую контроллер в режиме клиента WiFi: WiFi.mode(WIFI_STA); И далее инциализирую ESP NOW: esp_now_init() Это лишь протокол а не физический канал, и идет работа с получаемыми данными заложенными функциями ESP. Если придут данные протокола Wi-Fi - они будут обработаны также функцией ESP. По сути все данные в диапазоне частот 2,4 Ггц анализируются контроллером, и если пакет предназначен конкретному устройству, то оно принимает пакет, отправляет ответ о принятом пакете, выделяет данные из него и отдает их определенной функции. Тут просто другая функция обработки данных, поэтому все происходит быстрее. Если бы у нас была возможность работы напрямую с радиоканалом ESP, то мы бы смогли создать собственный протокол связи и работать по нему.

[@pr200sd]

@@efiron О, интересно, спасибо, буду тестировать,👍

[@wilesselaar5742]

Very nice, Where to get that nice white key-pad?

[@grisvianbrudlie6093]

can you please provide some example code for the binding process of two or more device. I think holding a button to bind devices are really convenient, rather than finding each MAC address and updating them via code....overall, thanks, great vid

[@billordonezegoavil7013]

Amazing

[@alphoncemutabuzi6949]

I love it

[@DuneKraftwerk]

Very impressive indeed. Where can we get the ESP-NOW wireless debugging module you shown in the video ?

[@EspressifSystems]

Please get in touch with our customer support team via the following link: www.espressif.com/en/contact-us/sales-questions They'll be happy to help you.

[@Mr_ToR]

When ESP-Home supports this, I'll use it.

[@parabolixlight9575]

Looks absolutely amazing. Any idea how to set this up in the Arduino IDE?

[@EspressifSystems]

Thanks! For all your technical enquiries, please contact our technical support team via the following link: www.espressif.com/en/contact-us/technical-inquiries/other-technical-issues

[@mutthunaveen]

Superrrr.....

[@thenextproblem8001]

Hi , is there a way to reduce espnow coverage area? Not for exactly but approximately. Let's say we don't want to communicate over 10meters?

[@kychemclass5850]

Espressif rocks.

[@swatcat7928]

Great... soo do you have an arduino library and example?

[@jaromanda]

some ESP-NOW functionality exists in the arduino esp8266/32 frameworks esp32, it's in libraries/ESP32/examples/ESPNow

[@WistrelChianti]

The examples here all seem to demo specific roles (a clicker as sender and bulb as receiver). Any guidance on how best to handle a scenario where for any given set of devices, it is undefined which is the "master" so to speak. i.e. how best for a set of ESP NOW enabled devices to come together, detect and figure out how to talk to each other?

[@EspressifSystems]

For all your technical questions, please raise a "new issue" here: github.com/espressif/esp-now/issues You will then get answers from our engineers directly.

[@tablatronix]

Love it, now I just need an arduino espnow bridge to mqtt, can espnow run alongside wifi ?

[@pablogonzalezrobles4429]

And an official 4g module for esp32 so we can setup the perfect iot solution

[@EspressifSystems]

ESP-NOW co-exists with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE.

[@ArnaudMEURET]

0:46 !

[@TechnoAutomation]

Running espnow on esp32 with continuous data transfer heating esp board. Are there any specific requirements to throttle up data sending rate for optimum heating??

[@wilesselaar5742]

Very nice, where can you get that nice white keypad?

[@EspressifSystems]

Please get in touch with our customer support team via the following link. They'll be more than happy to help you: www.espressif.com/sales

[@bobby9568]

@Espressif Systems, have you fixed the ESP ADC problem with the newer esp's?

[@rinikaravinthv8490]

Is it possible to create a network without router? Basically one of the ESP device needs to act as AP and rest should make a mesh out of it. The mobile will then connect via the AP and control the devices. Is it possible?

[@EspressifSystems]

For all your technical questions, please raise a "new issue" here: github.com/espressif/esp-now/issues

[@ML-sr2ep]

Is ESP-NOW expected to work outdoors in the rain?

[@YigalBZ]

Is it possible to create communication with ESP-NOW between Windoes/Linux machine and ESP32 device?

[@asiacuisine4869]

How does this compare to Zigbee??

[@KartihkCg80]

where i can find espnow library that supports esp8266

[@EasyOne]

nice

[@YigalBZ]

Can you please show how can a firmware of ESP32 can be remotely updated? I develop SW with VSCODE & PlatformIO. I would love the ability to upgrade firmware remotely.. today I use the USB cable.

[@salmarita219]

My mind is blown... this is sooooo great! (Astera Lamps should really get some of these features.)

[@ishdemon_]

There is no documentation about device provisioning, OTA, etc all these new features.. Is it coming or planned?

[@EspressifSystems]

More documentation is coming up a bit later!

[@austin-johnluckhoff2094]

Do anyone know where one can find the controller in this video in Usa

[@creative7892]

2 days back , i bought a new esp32 DEVKITV1 when i try to upload any code it shows Connecting...................................... A fatal error occurred: Failed to connect to Espressif device: Invalid head of packet (0x00): Possible serial noise or corruption. So , i tried all troubleshooting steps. Still the same error 😢 Please 🙏 tell me how to solve the issue Thank you.

[@hfe1833]

I'm impressed with this protocol defies others but I need to buy original or authentic board from your company please give some link

[@EspressifSystems]

Please contact our customer support team via the following link: www.espressif.com/sales

[@iliasalaur]

Waiting for esp8266 support :) And it would be nice to make an adapter (pattern) for this library, with Arduino-style functions, it will help with integrating the library in existing Arduino projects

[@EspressifSystems]

Thanks for your feedback. Have passed it on to our team of engineers working on this project. You can always get in touch with them yourself, too, through the following links: github.com/espressif/esp-now/issues & www.espressif.com/en/contact-us/technical-inquiries/other-technical-issues & www.espressif.com/en/contact-us/comments-and-suggestions

[@iliasalaur]

@@EspressifSystems thanks, it would be nice if I could get engaged in helping the engineers in this masterpiece ;)

[@RomanLutHax]

ESP-NOW works fine on esp8266 for a long time already. Communication between ESP8266 and ESP32 is possible.

[@mouaadhyaichi842]

I have a project. I want to pass the value of a temperature sensor from one nodemcu esp8266 to another, passing by nodemcu esp8266 using ESP-NOW protocol

[@EspressifSystems]

Great! If you have any questions, you can ask them via this link: www.espressif.com/en/contact-us/technical-inquiries/other-technical-issues Then, our technical support team will try and help you.

[@natezimmer4489]

I'd be really great(and maybe you already have this?) if you could combine ESP-NOW with a sensor oriented WiFi silicon. E.g. a ESP chipset that can be powered by a CR2032 that can burst out ESP-NOW packets. Most of your current silicon can't seem to do this because it doesn't seem to support simple ultra fast wakeup & sleep while persisting memory. Espressif could be one of the few if any vendors that can do sensors on WiFi effectively. You could bridge the gap of ultra low power & high throughput with a single wireless protocol.

[@natezimmer4489]

E.g. many BLE/ZB chipset can wakeup & transmit a packet on the order of 1ms-3ms and then jump into ~1-5uA sleep while persisting ram. Tx/Rx currents are ~50mA with a MCU current of around ~1-5mA

[@EspressifSystems]

@@natezimmer4489 to get answers to the questions you have, from an Espressif engineer, please raise a "new issue" here: github.com/espressif/esp-now/issues

[@EspressifSystems]

To get answers to the questions you have, from an Espressif engineer, please raise a "new issue" here: github.com/espressif/esp-now/issues

[@MumPyro]

The specs show that ESP-NOW only supports up to 20 devices connected unencrypted but this video is showing way more than that. At 4:30 in the video it says 100's of devices. What's the trick to get all of them to work together with a single controller?

[@FyJonas]

They are probably using a mesh network topology, possibly something like Esp-mesh but using esp now?

[@xabikiqwe]

Alternative for ZigBee?

[@heemagauss8691]

briefly : the future technology, right now

[@anispinner]

Espressif stands for Impressive.

[@ganeshulapushpalalitha2622]

In ESP8266...why 8266? Is there any specific reason for 8266

[@Percyjackson183]

How to connect 2 esp32 modules together

[@poorman-trending]

What is a rooter?

[@LucidFX.]

hey guys, i am liking what i am seeing and on other channels. I am looking for some sort of tutorial where i can use on my projects. I have 7 ESP32s, i have a servo on each. i need to send a command from the 1 master to the 6 slaves, i.e. button X HIGH/ Y LOW all services to position 1 - normally 0 Degrees. Button X LOW/Y HIGH - move all servos to position 2 NOT all the same degrees. and all switches low move to position 1, 0 degrees, as well. i have searched and nothing - if you could point me in the right direction.

[@weistrass]

We need tutorials now

[@proto_hexagon5649]

woowwwww. can control IC-LED like WS2811 led strips? now day i control it with Arduino mega

[@timpeterson2738]

Are your led's individually addressable and how many led's. I'm about to finish building a star that has addressable let's on both sides. It's a 5 point star each side is 19 I inches long with 1 " spacing between let's. I was going to use a ATmega because it's a Christmas star but now I'm thinking esp32 or esp8266, I'm a nubby to a this so if your ahead could you point me in the right direction please and thank you.

[@proto_hexagon5649]

@@timpeterson2738 yes they are individually addresable led.i use it for the same propouse, Christmas eve. are around 800 LED. 25meters strip. With ATmega 2560 work OK but when i try light them all give me some anoing patern light. i think ATmega can handle easy 400 lighting all of them. I have around 800 and some of christmas patherns where only light up some of them work fine. May be with and ESP32 and this ESP-NOW protocol can work better if use one as master and a second one as slave to boost the signal at midle of my 25m led strip. you are ok with that led i mean are not so much. Wich model if led strip they are? I wish to make video to show you but they are already instaled and are 15meter high. Let me know what you need and see if i can help you.

[@EspressifSystems]

For all your technical questions, please raise a "new issue" here: github.com/espressif/esp-now/issues

[@marcus3d]

Reliability? What happens when a packet is lost?

[@Hex-Mas]

Innovation

[@rusticagenerica]

How can it know the distance?

[@Versette]

It doesn't really know the distance, it's not radar. It just assumes it based on signal strength.

[@sagarjaiswal7035]

OTA with ESP-Now? That's awesome but there are no examples for OTA with ESP-NOW, and there are no examples for grouping with ESP-NOW, the documentation is lacking!

[@EspressifSystems]

Thanks for your support and feedback. Have you checked the following links? docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-idf/en/latest/esp32c3/api-reference/network/esp_now.html github.com/espressif/esp-now github.com/yoursunny/WifiEspNow

[@ishdemon_]

@@EspressifSystems those links don't have anything about OTA..

[@EspressifSystems]

@@ishdemon_ More documentation is coming up a bit later!

[@YigalBZ]

Is it possible for a master ESP-NOW device to send a message to "all nearby" slaves? and they will answer without prior knowledge of their MAC addresses?

[@kmschwem]

So I guess we won’t see a esp32 with Zigbee or zwave. That’s a shame.

[@EspressifSystems]

Maybe you haven't heard the news yet, but ESP32-H2 has been officially recognised as a "Zigbee-compliant platform": www.espressif.com/en/news/ESP32-H2_Thread_and_Zigbee_certified

[@kmschwem]

@@EspressifSystems No I didn’t hear that. Awesome news for the iot market.

[@EspressifSystems]

@@kmschwem thanks! You can subscribe to our newsletter, so you get all our latest news straight in your inbox. Here's the link: www.espressif.com/en/subscribe

[@darkestmon]

The best of all... they're cheaper to buy

[@rusticagenerica]

What a shame you don't share layers of actual boards we can buy to try this out.

[@kakkun61]

👀

[@anthonycross901]

Interesting but music makes it difficult to follow and voice is too soft.

[@vobinli7054]

666

[@GoodEnough030]

Espressif is a great company but Ai-thinker is not. Their products are terrible I got a Esp C3 12F kit its footprint is wrong....