Microcontrollers with Built-in Ethernet

Ethernet-Enabled Microcontrollers Overview

Microcontrollers with Ethernet support are widely used for IoT, industrial control, and embedded applications. Below is an overview of popular models that integrate Ethernet capabilities.

Available Models and Key Features:

2. Adding Ethernet to Microcontrollers with Ethernet Shields

For microcontrollers without built-in Ethernet, Ethernet shields are a practical option. These shields usually connect via SPI, making them compatible with popular microcontrollers like Arduino and ESP8266.

Popular Ethernet Shields

3. Common Ethernet Modules

In addition to shields, standalone Ethernet modules, such as the W5100 and W5500, provide a flexible way to add Ethernet support to custom boards.

4. Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Power over Ethernet (PoE) enables both power and data to be transmitted over a single Ethernet cable, making it ideal for devices that need to operate without a nearby power source. PoE works with devices compliant with IEEE 802.3af or 802.3at standards.

Using PoE with Microcontrollers

For microcontrollers, PoE can be added using PoE-capable Ethernet shields or adapters. Some Ethernet shields, like the Arduino Ethernet Shield 2, have PoE options available using an external PoE module.

Example of PoE Adapter

The W5500 Ethernet module with PoE is a popular option for adding PoE support to microcontrollers. This module allows the microcontroller to be powered directly through the Ethernet cable, which can simplify deployment in remote or hard-to-access areas.

5. Advantages of Using Ethernet

6. Example Projects

Project 1: Web Server with Arduino Ethernet Shield

Use an Ethernet shield to create a web server that controls LEDs or reads sensor data.


// Arduino Web Server with Ethernet Shield
#include 
#include 

byte mac[] = { 0xDE, 0xAD, 0xBE, 0xEF, 0xFE, 0xED };
IPAddress ip(192, 168, 1, 177);
EthernetServer server(80);

void setup() {
    Ethernet.begin(mac, ip);
    server.begin();
    Serial.begin(9600);
    Serial.println("Server is ready");
}

void loop() {
    EthernetClient client = server.available();
    if (client) {
        // Handle client request
    }
}
        

Project 2: MQTT Client with ENC28J60

Use the ENC28J60 module to connect to an MQTT broker for sending sensor data and receiving commands.

8. Conclusion

Microcontrollers with built-in Ethernet capabilities provide a robust solution for developing networked applications. By selecting the right microcontroller for your project, you can leverage the advantages of direct internet connectivity, making your devices more efficient and responsive.

Tips and Tricks

Further Reading

For those interested in diving deeper into networked microcontroller applications and the broader concept of the Internet of Everything (IoE), consider exploring The Internet of Everything. This book introduces fundamental concepts and technologies that enable IoE and the Internet of Things, covering how the interconnected network of people, processes, data, and things can transform applications. As more people, data, and things connect, understanding these foundational principles will help you build more advanced and scalable IoT projects.

Explore More with 100 Microcontroller Code Experiments

If you’re ready to expand your skills further, check out our 100 Microcontroller Code Experiments section. This collection covers a range of practical, hands-on experiments, from basic to advanced levels, to help reinforce your understanding and inspire creative applications.

100 Ethernet Experiments

  1. Setting Up Ethernet Communication with Arduino
  2. Sending HTTP GET Requests via Ethernet Shield
  3. Receiving Data from a Web Server over Ethernet
  4. Arduino Web Server with Ethernet Shield
  5. Controlling LEDs over Ethernet
  6. Using VPN with arduino
  7. Building a Home Automation System over Ethernet
  8. Reading Sensor Data via Ethernet
  9. Arduino Ethernet Shield MQTT Client
  10. Uploading Data to ThingSpeak via Ethernet
  11. Data Logging with Ethernet Shield and SD Card
  12. Creating a Data Logging System with RTC and Ethernet
  13. Live Weather Data Display over Ethernet
  14. Remote Monitoring using Ethernet and Cloud Services
  15. Storing Data to Google Sheets via Ethernet
  16. Creating a Web-Based Dashboard for Sensor Data
  17. Interactive Web Control of Devices via Ethernet
  18. Serving Dynamic Web Pages using Arduino Ethernet
  19. Live Charting of Data over Ethernet
  20. Custom Web Interface for Device Control
  21. Basic Authentication for Ethernet Web Servers
  22. Setting Up HTTPS on an Ethernet Shield
  23. Encrypting Data Sent over Ethernet
  24. Using SSL/TLS for Secure Communication
  25. Implementing a Secure Login for Arduino Ethernet Web Pages
  26. IoT Sensor Network using Ethernet Shield
  27. Remote Control of IoT Devices using Ethernet
  28. Connecting IoT Devices to AWS IoT Core via Ethernet
  29. Azure IoT Hub with Ethernet Communication
  30. Building a Smart Home System using Ethernet
  31. Creating a Multi-Device Network over Ethernet
  32. Establishing Peer-to-Peer Communication over Ethernet
  33. Broadcasting Data to Multiple Devices
  34. Building a Sensor Hub with Ethernet
  35. Handling Multiple Clients in Ethernet Web Servers
  36. Remotely Controlling a Robot via Ethernet
  37. Smart Irrigation System using Ethernet
  38. Home Security System with Ethernet Connectivity
  39. Automated Door Lock Control via Ethernet
  40. Controlling Home Appliances via Ethernet
  41. Ethernet Communication with ESP32 and Arduino
  42. Ethernet with NRF24L01 Wireless Communication
  43. Integrating Ethernet with LoRaWAN for IoT
  44. Communicating with 433MHz Modules over Ethernet
  45. Using Ethernet with GSM Module for Cellular Communication
  46. Ethernet-to-WiFi Bridge Using ESP8266
  47. Creating a Wi-Fi Access Point over Ethernet
  48. Wi-Fi Range Extension with Ethernet Backhaul
  49. Monitoring Wi-Fi Signal Strength via Ethernet
  50. Combining Ethernet and Bluetooth for Wireless Sensors
  51. Controlling Devices via Ethernet from a Mobile App
  52. Creating an Android App to Control Ethernet Devices
  53. Setting Up Remote Alerts via Ethernet
  54. Sending Notifications via Ethernet to Your Phone
  55. Creating a Web App Interface for Ethernet Control
  56. Understanding TCP/IP with Arduino Ethernet
  57. UDP Communication with Ethernet Shield
  58. HTTP vs WebSockets over Ethernet
  59. Experimenting with MQTT Protocol over Ethernet
  60. Using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
  61. Uploading Files to an FTP Server via Ethernet
  62. Reading Files from an FTP Server using Arduino
  63. Storing Data on Local Network via Ethernet
  64. Building a File Server with Arduino Ethernet
  65. Data Backup System using Ethernet
  66. Optimizing Data Transmission Speed over Ethernet
  67. Reducing Latency in Ethernet Communication
  68. Improving Reliability of Ethernet Connections
  69. Minimizing Data Loss in Ethernet Systems
  70. Troubleshooting Common Ethernet Issues
  71. Building Real-Time Systems with Ethernet
  72. Remote Video Streaming via Ethernet
  73. Audio Streaming over Ethernet
  74. Remote Data Visualization in Real-Time
  75. Implementing Real-Time Control Systems over Ethernet
  76. Connecting Arduino to a Web API via Ethernet
  77. Sending Data to Google Firebase over Ethernet
  78. Integrating with IFTTT for Automation over Ethernet
  79. Sending Data to Microsoft Power BI via Ethernet
  80. Fetching Data from REST APIs over Ethernet
  81. Building an Ethernet-Based Gaming Console
  82. Building an Ethernet-Based Gaming Console
  83. Real-Time Multiplayer Game using Ethernet
  84. Streaming Game Data over Ethernet
  85. Controlling Gamepads over Ethernet
  86. Using Ethernet for Smart TV Applications
  87. Building an Industrial Monitoring System over Ethernet
  88. PLC Communication over Ethernet for Automation
  89. Industrial Control with SCADA and Ethernet
  90. Modbus TCP Communication over Ethernet
  91. Remote Factory Control with Ethernet and IoT
  92. Using Ethernet with Power over Ethernet (PoE)
  93. Low-Power Devices with Ethernet Communication
  94. Energy-Efficient Ethernet Communication Strategies
  95. Reducing Power Consumption in IoT Devices using Ethernet
  96. Smart Energy Meters with Ethernet Communication
  97. Creating a Custom Communication Protocol over Ethernet
  98. Implementing a Simple Chat System via Ethernet
  99. Custom DNS Server on Arduino with Ethernet
  100. Building a Peer-to-Peer File Transfer System over Ethernet
  101. Testing and Debugging Custom Protocols over Ethernet