Future Feature: Home WiFi Server Mode (via Hardware Button)

[Jstudner]

A planned feature for a future release of Nomad is a "Server Mode", toggled by pressing the physical button on the device.

This would let Nomad switch from standalone hotspot mode (SoftAP) into client mode, where it connects to your home WiFi network like a normal server device and serves media over your router-assigned IP.

How It Would Work:

• Press the hardware button to toggle Server Mode
• Nomad will attempt to connect to your saved home network
• It will serve the same HTML frontend over its LAN IP (e.g. 192.168.1.123)
• A new network configuration panel will be added to /admin.html
  • Manual entry: SSID, password, optional static IP
  • No automatic network scanning or pairing

Why This Matters

Running on your home network could enable:

• ✅ Real device discovery (e.g. SSDP responses over multicast)
• ✅ Smart TVs, VLC, and media players finding Nomad automatically
• ✅ Better streaming performance and range.
• ✅ Easier integration with other smart home tools or DLNA clients

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⚠️ Important Note: Nomad is not a full-fledged server.

The ESP32-S3 was never designed to replace a NAS, media server, or Plex box. It has:

• Limited RAM
• Small CPU
• No hardware transcoding
• No built-in storage (SD card only)

Server Mode should be considered a convenience, not a full replacement for proper compute. It’s perfect for temporary media sharing, off-grid streaming, and lightweight tasks, but don’t expect enterprise performance. If you try to use it as an always online system be ready for issues.

Still, for a portable device that fits in your pocket?
Pretty cool.

Stay tuned for updates on this feature!

— Jackson Studner