---
title: "Integrating W5500 with ESP32 Using Core 3: Native Ethernet Protocol Support with SSL"
url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/Hannah/projects/integrating-w5500-with-esp32-using-core-3-native-ethernet-protocol-support-with-ssl/"
markdown_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/Hannah/projects/integrating-w5500-with-esp32-using-core-3-native-ethernet-protocol-support-with-ssl/md"
type: "UCC: User Created Content"
author: "Renzo Mischianti"
editor: "WIZnet"
editor_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/"
original_author: "Renzo Mischianti"
published: "2025-05-29"
language: "en"
likes: 0
views: 4684
comments: 0
source: "WIZnet Makers (https://maker.wiznet.io/)"
---

# Integrating W5500 with ESP32 Using Core 3: Native Ethernet Protocol Support with SSL

> ESP32 + W5500 Ethernet for Secure and Reliable Wired Networking Guide

Original author: Renzo Mischianti

## Article

- **Source**: [Renzo Mischianti – mischianti.org](https://mischianti.org/integrating-w5500-with-esp32-using-core-3-native-ethernet-protocol-support-with-ssl-and-other-features/)

### Introduction: Building Reliable IoT with Wired Ethernet

With its dual-core processor and versatile connectivity options, the ESP32 is ideal for various IoT applications.
The release of Core 3 brought native Ethernet protocol support, making it easier to use wired connections with full capabilities like SSL/TLS.
This guide focuses on using the **ESP32 with the W5500 Ethernet module** to enable **secure and reliable HTTPS-based networking**.

---

### Core Hardware & Technology

#### Hardware Requirements

- ESP32 development board
  (e.g., ESP32 Dev Kit v1, TTGO T-Display, NodeMCU ESP-32S, ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1, etc.)

- W5500 Ethernet module (or W5500 Lite)

- Jumper wires

- Breadboard (optional)

#### W5500 Device Overview

- Hardware-based TCP/IP support (TCP, UDP, IPv4, ICMP, etc.)

- 32KB internal buffer, 8 independent hardware sockets

- Up to 80MHz SPI speed, low-power mode, Wake-on-LAN

- Auto-negotiation for full/half-duplex

- 3.3V operation, 5V tolerant IO

### Ethernet Setup Configuration

```plaintext
#define ETH_PHY_TYPE        ETH_PHY_W5500
#define ETH_PHY_ADDR        1
#define ETH_PHY_CS          5
#define ETH_PHY_IRQ         15
#define ETH_PHY_RST         4

SPI.begin(ETH_SPI_SCK, ETH_SPI_MISO, ETH_SPI_MOSI);
ETH.begin(ETH_PHY_TYPE, ETH_PHY_ADDR, ETH_PHY_CS, ETH_PHY_IRQ, ETH_PHY_RST, SPI);
```

Then use `Network.onEvent(onEvent)` to monitor connection events, and optionally set hostname via `ETH.setHostname()`.

---

### Simple HTTP Request Example

Testing HTTP request using httpbin.org:

```plaintext
void testClient(const char * host, uint16_t port) {
  NetworkClient client;
  if (!client.connect(host, port)) return;
  client.println("GET /get HTTP/1.1");
  client.println("Host: httpbin.org");
  client.println("Connection: close");
  client.println();
  while (client.connected() && !client.available());
  while (client.available()) Serial.write(client.read());
  client.stop();
}
```

---

### HTTPS Request Implementation

For secure requests, use `NetworkClientSecure`, and for testing you can bypass the certificate using `client.setInsecure()`:

```plaintext
NetworkClientSecure client;
client.setInsecure();
client.connect("httpbin.org", 443);
```

---

### Example Output

```plaintext
ETH Started  
ETH Connected  
ETH Got IP: 'eth0'  
inet 192.168.1.137 netmask 255.255.255.0 gateway 192.168.1.1  

connecting to httpbin.org  
HTTP/1.1 200 OK  
{
  "url": "https://httpbin.org/get",
  ...
}
```

---

### How to Register a Certificate

Download the site’s root certificate (e.g., Amazon Root CA 1) using your browser → Export as PEM → Paste into a `const char* rootCA = R"(...)"` variable → Use `client.setCACert(rootCA);`

---

### Conclusion

ESP32 Core 3 with WIZnet W5500 enables easy and secure integration of **wired Ethernet** into your IoT systems.
With native protocol support for Ethernet, SSL/TLS, and more, this guide helps you fully leverage the ESP32's capabilities across:

- Smart home and lighting control

- Remote sensor networks

- Industrial safety systems

- Real-time communication infrastructure

---

Source: https://maker.wiznet.io/Hannah/projects/integrating-w5500-with-esp32-using-core-3-native-ethernet-protocol-support-with-ssl/