When is a Rfxcom needed?

[DomoOr1981]

Hi guys,

Is a Rfxcom always needed
I've been reading stuff all-over-the-web but I just can't find a simple answer...

My current-situation and what-I-want are both very straightforward:
1) Current-situation. I've bought a cheap Sonoff wifi switch which is working fine with the manufacturers (iTead) android app eWeLink.
2) What-I-want. Because the eWeLlink app doesn't offer sunrise-sunset-timer-settings, I want to switch to another firmware (allready bought some stuff in order to flash it with ESP Easy firmware) and another app (of course, the Domoticz app).
But can the Domoticz app (or even the Windows version) communicate with the switch in this situation. Or is a Rfxcom needed? And if so, why? I mean, I've got a wifi-router so why a "second device with antenna's"?

Any help (eg: a link to an old post) is greatly appreciated

Kind regards.

NB. Another question (perhaps for another subforum) that bugs me is: "Is there a drawing out there which shows&explains all the components?".
Or - otherwise put - is everything happening locally (within my home) or is there a cloud-service involved (and the possibility of operating the domotica-installation from "wherever")?

[b_weijenberg]

ESP/WiFi operates at 2.4GHz and cannot be used in conjunction with the RFXtrx433E.
The RFXCOM can be used for 433.92MHz devices, 433.42MHz Somfy RTS and MCZ pellet stove at 434.50MHz
Please see chapter 2 in the RFXtrx User Guide for the full list of supported devices by the RFXtrx433E.

[mrf68]

Hi,

a RFXcom is a device that is capable of sending and receiving signals, mostly used with 433mhz switchable devices like KlikAanKlikUit (KAKU) devices. A KAKU wall socket can be switched by Domoticz, but only with a RFXcom connected to Domoticz. What I know about Sonoff WiFi switches is that you use their app, but you can flash thosse things with other firmware so it acts like a webserver with which you can communicate directly over your LAN. When you trigger a switch in Domoticz, it can open an url. It could be the url to your Sonoff switch. This does not require a RFXcom transceiver, so in my opinion you do not need a RFXcom for that.
You can run Domoticz on a Raspberry Pi and have it running in your home. There is no need for a cloud service. With the right network configuration, you can make it reachable over the internet, so you can use it from where ever you are (you do need a network connection though).

[DomoOr1981]

A thank-you-very-much to both b_weijenberg and mrf68.
Your answers were very helpfull.