An environment controller, comprising: a first communication interface; a second communication interface of the Wi-Fi type; and a processing unit for: sending a DHCP-DISCOVER message via the first communication interface; configuring the environment controller to operate the second communication interface as a Wi-Fi Access Point if a DHCP-OFFER message is received in response to the DHCP-DISCOVER message via the first communication interface, the Wi-Fi Access Point providing access to an existing IP network reachable through the first communication interface; and configuring the environment controller to operate the second communication interface as a Wi-Fi hotspot if no DHCP-OFFER message is received in response to the DHCP-DISCOVER message via the first communication interface, the Wi-Fi hotspot providing access to an independent IP network at least partially managed by the environment controller; receiving an environmental characteristic value from one of a sensor (310, 320) or a relay via the second communication interface, and determining an environmental state based on the environmental characteristic value; and generating a command based on the environmental state, and transmitting the command to one of a controlled appliance or a relay via the second communication interface. a first communication interface; a second communication interface of the Wi-Fi type; and a processing unit for: sending a DHCP-DISCOVER message via the first communication interface; configuring the environment controller to operate the second communication interface as a Wi-Fi Access Point if a DHCP-OFFER message is received in response to the DHCP-DISCOVER message via the first communication interface, the Wi-Fi Access Point providing access to an existing IP network reachable through the first communication interface; and configuring the environment controller to operate the second communication interface as a Wi-Fi hotspot if no DHCP-OFFER message is received in response to the DHCP-DISCOVER message via the first communication interface, the Wi-Fi hotspot providing access to an independent IP network at least partially managed by the environment controller; receiving an environmental characteristic value from one of a sensor (310, 320) or a relay via the second communication interface, and determining an environmental state based on the environmental characteristic value; and generating a command based on the environmental state, and transmitting the command to one of a controlled appliance or a relay via the second communication interface. sending a DHCP-DISCOVER message via the first communication interface; configuring the environment controller to operate the second communication interface as a Wi-Fi Access Point if a DHCP-OFFER message is received in response to the DHCP-DISCOVER message via the first communication interface, the Wi-Fi Access Point providing access to an existing IP network reachable through the first communication interface; and configuring the environment controller to operate the second communication interface as a Wi-Fi hotspot if no DHCP-OFFER message is received in response to the DHCP-DISCOVER message via the first communication interface, the Wi-Fi hotspot providing access to an independent IP network at least partially managed by the environment controller; receiving an environmental characteristic value from one of a sensor (310, 320) or a relay via the second communication interface, and determining an environmental state based on the environmental characteristic value; and generating a command based on the environmental state, and transmitting the command to one of a controlled appliance or a relay via the second communication interface.