Wiznet makers

Overview

This project implements a LAN gateway node on the Raspberry Pi Pico + WIZnet W5500 using MicroPython. It provides four key functions for small network segments: UDP-based automatic device discovery, configurable access rules, an HTTP proxy, and basic network metrics collection. Designed as a lightweight edge IoT gateway, it enables simple traffic control and visibility in home lab or embedded network environments.

Key Features

• UDP auto-discovery — devices on the LAN can discover the gateway automatically via broadcast
• Access rules — configurable policies for which traffic is allowed through the proxy layer
• HTTP proxy — forwards HTTP requests from LAN clients, enabling gateway-controlled internet access
• Basic metrics — collects and reports simple network usage statistics
• MicroPython — all logic in Python, making it easy to modify and extend without C compilation

Hardware

• Board: Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040)
• Ethernet: WIZnet W5500 module (SPI)
• Language: MicroPython
• Connection: RJ45 via W5500 module

How to Set Up

1. Clone: git clone https://github.com/HIre-Me-For-Unique-Stratergies/pico-lan-gateway-node
2. Flash MicroPython firmware on Raspberry Pi Pico (latest stable)
3. Install W5500 MicroPython driver (urequests-compatible Ethernet library)
4. Copy project files to Pico via Thonny or mpremote
5. Configure network settings (IP, access rules) in the config file
6. Connect W5500 module and RJ45 cable

FAQ

Q1. Why use MicroPython for a gateway instead of C? MicroPython enables rapid prototyping and easy customization. For a gateway node handling moderate traffic in a home lab or IoT segment, the Python overhead is acceptable and the development speed advantage is significant. More demanding production gateways would use C/C++.

Q2. What is UDP auto-discovery used for? Devices on the LAN can send a broadcast UDP probe to discover the gateway's IP address without manual configuration. This is useful for plug-and-play IoT sensors that need to find a gateway dynamically.

Q3. What kind of access rules are supported? The access rules provide basic allow/deny logic based on client address or destination. This is not a full firewall, but enables simple traffic filtering appropriate for embedded edge gateway use cases.

Key Takeaway

This MicroPython gateway node on W5500 + Pico shows how much networking functionality can be packed into a tiny, scriptable embedded system. UDP discovery, HTTP proxy, and metrics collection make it a practical starting point for building custom IoT edge gateways without complex C firmware development.

Source Code: https://github.com/HIre-Me-For-Unique-Stratergies/pico-lan-gateway-node