RF24Ethernet v2.0 Released - lwIP IP Stack Support + Direct TCP/IP connectivity without a RPi

RF24Ethernet v2.0 Released - lwIP IP Stack Support + Direct TCP/IP connectivity without a RPi 

 Better, faster & more reliable connectivity w/lwIP

 Starting over the holidays, I began work with RF24Ethernet and the lwIP IP stack, integrating the IP stack into my existing library. Previously, and on smaller devices, the library utilized the uIP stack, which is no longer maintained, and used only on smaller devices that cannot run the lwIP stack.

This was quite a challenge, the lwIP stack functions in a lot of ways quite differently than the uIP stack, which in itself provided some challenges with integration. The RF24Ethernet library uses the lwIP stack in Mainloop (NO_SYS) mode, and lwIP uses callbacks for most of its functionality, so learning how that worked and the correct processes to use with this IP stack took some doing.  

 I was also able to adjust the code so that a Raspberry Pi or central PC is no longer required, nodes can simply run RF24Ethernet and connect between themselves via TCP/IP & UDP. I've included two examples, in the Headless examples directory, so users can try this new feature out.

 What is it? / How does it work?

 RF24Ethernet is a wireless TCP/IP communication system using nRF24 or nRF52x radios for comms. Users can create wireless mesh networks (NOT WiFi) that use much less power than WiFi networks and have many similar features, but with lower bandwidth.  

 The system mirrors the standard Arduino Ethernet API, and can function in many ways very similarly to standard Ethernet or WiFi connected devices, although over the nRF24 or nRF52 radios. See https://docs.arduino.cc/libraries/ethernet/

 When a Raspberry Pi or other routing capable device is used as the master node, the system can utilize standard protocols to connect out to the internet or other parts of your network, via MQTT, HTTP etc.

 In a standard IoT setup, for example, a Raspberry Pi can run an MQTT server, with Arduino sensors connecting in and logging sensor information to a database etc.

In another IoT system, and ESP32 can connect out to  

How do I use it? 

 Just install the RF24Ethernet library and its dependencies via the Arduino Library Manager. One may also need to install the Arduino lwIP stack and optionally the MQTT library by Joel Gahwiler.

 Then just run the two examples in the Headless directory on some Arduinos!

 Please log any issues or problems with us at https://github.com/nRF24/RF24Ethernet/issues