Device Discovery
Automatic (mDNS)
The device discovers your instance via mDNS on your local network. Requires that multicast traffic reaches the device.
How It Works
When the TOMMY instance starts:
- TOMMY instance advertises itself as
_tommy._tcp.localservice via mDNS - Broadcasts its IP address and required ports
- Includes metadata like version, startup time, and process ID
When the devices start:
- Devices with TOMMY firmware listen for
_tommy._tcp.localbroadcasts - When devices detect the TOMMY instance advertisement, they extract:
- Instance IP Address: Where to send data and heartbeats
- Communication Ports: MQTT, file server, and other service ports
- Service Availability: Confirms TOMMY instance is running and accessible
- Devices automatically connect to the discovered TOMMY instance
- Connected devices appear in the TOMMY dashboard within seconds
Requirements for mDNS Discovery
- TOMMY instance and devices must be on the same network
- Network infrastructure must allow multicast traffic