Networking
Wi-Fi SoC modules, USB-to-XBee configuration adapters, standalone Ethernet PHY boards, and an Ethernet co-processor breakout are all here — check what your host actually needs before picking one.
ESP8285, ATWINC1500, and EMW3060 Wi-Fi modules; the WIZ5500 Ethernet co-processor; the DP83848 RMII PHY board; 802.11n USB adapters for the Pi; and an XBee USB configuration adapter.
- The ESP8285, ATWINC1500, EMW3060, and W600 are standalone Wi-Fi modules; the Particle P0/P1 are module-format Wi-Fi SoCs for embedded designs; 802.11n USB dongles add Wi-Fi to Raspberry Pi over USB.
- The Adafruit WIZ5500 breakout is an SPI Ethernet co-processor — it gives any microcontroller a hardwired TCP/IP stack without needing a MAC-capable host.
- The DP83848 Ethernet board is a bare RMII PHY that does need a MAC-capable host (such as an ESP32) and provides no Wi-Fi.
- The XBee USB Adapter V2 is a configuration and serial tool for XBee-socket radios, not a general-purpose wireless interface.
Compare
Swap guidanceCan I swap these?
Pick the board you have - we'll show what we know about swapping it.
Known swap options (1)
General board checks (5)
- Decide whether the project needs a radio module adapter, USB serial bridge or wired Ethernet PHY before comparing parts.
- For XBee adapters, check socket compatibility, USB connector, serial driver support and whether the target radio can be configured with the chosen toolchain.
- For Ethernet PHY boards, check host MAC/PHY support, interface pins, RJ45 magnetics/connector assumptions and firmware driver support.
- Do not replace an XBee USB adapter with an Ethernet PHY board, or vice versa, just because both appear under networking.
- Use the vendor product page or linked wiki as the final authority for pinout and setup before building it into hardware.
