---
title: "ethernet-hexpansion"
url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/lawrence/resellers/ethernet-hexpansion/"
markdown_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/lawrence/resellers/ethernet-hexpansion/md"
type: "VAR: Value-Added Reseller Products"
author: "Dan Nixon"
author_url: "https://github.com/DanNixon/ethernet-hexpansion"
editor: "WIZnet"
editor_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/"
original_author: "Dan Nixon"
original_url: "https://github.com/DanNixon/ethernet-hexpansion"
published: "2026-05-17"
language: "en"
tags: ["W5500", "PoE"]
hardware: ["WIZnet W5500"]
likes: 0
views: 561
comments: 0
source: "WIZnet Makers (https://maker.wiznet.io/)"
---

# ethernet-hexpansion

> ethernet-hexpansion

Original author: Dan Nixon (source: https://github.com/DanNixon/ethernet-hexpansion)

## Components

- **WIZnet W5500** x 1 ([docs](https://docs.wiznet.io/Product/Chip/Ethernet/W5500))

WIZnet parts: W5500 ([Datasheet](https://docs.wiznet.io/Product/Chip/Ethernet/W5500/datasheet?utm_source=maker&utm_medium=project&utm_campaign=w5500), [product hub](https://maker.wiznet.io/products/w5500/))

## Article

## PoE Ethernet Hexpansion for Tildagon

### W5500-Based Wired Networking Extension for the Tildagon Ecosystem

### Overview

The **PoE Ethernet Hexpansion** is a compact expansion board designed for the **Tildagon** badge platform, adding reliable wired Ethernet connectivity through the **WIZnet W5500 Hardwired TCP/IP Ethernet Controller**.

![Render of PCB front](https://github.com/DanNixon/ethernet-hexpansion/raw/main/docs/render-front.png)

Unlike traditional Ethernet solutions that require complex MAC/PHY integration, the W5500 provides a complete TCP/IP stack with an integrated Ethernet MAC and PHY, allowing the entire networking interface to be connected over a simple SPI bus. This makes it particularly suitable for compact embedded expansion systems such as Tildagon’s Hexpansion interface.

The board is designed not only for Ethernet communication, but also with **Power over Ethernet (PoE)** capability in mind, enabling both network data and power delivery through a single RJ45 cable.

---

## Key Features

| Feature | Description |
| --- | --- |
| Ethernet Controller | WIZnet W5500 |
| Interface | SPI-based Ethernet |
| Network Speed | 10/100 Mbps Ethernet |
| Platform | Tildagon Hexpansion |
| Power | PoE-ready design |
| Expansion Type | Plug-in modular Hexpansion PCB |
| MCU Compatibility | ESP32-S3 via Tildagon |

---

## What is “Hexpansion”?

The name **Hexpansion** is derived from:

- **Hex** → Hexagonal Tildagon badge shape

- **Expansion** → Modular hardware extension

Tildagon uses a hexagonal mechanical design with expansion connectors located on each edge of the badge. These connectors allow users to attach hardware modules called **Hexpansions**.

This modular architecture enables developers to create specialized add-on boards such as:

- Sensor modules

- LED panels

- Input devices

- GPS modules

- Ethernet networking boards

The PoE Ethernet Hexpansion extends this ecosystem by adding stable wired networking capabilities to the platform.

## Introducing Tildagon

### A Reusable Modular Badge Platform

Tildagon is an open hardware badge platform developed for **EMF Camp 2024**. Unlike traditional one-time-use event badges, Tildagon is designed as a reusable embedded development platform with modular expansion support.

![](https://tildagon.badge.emfcamp.org/images/badge-photos/badge-with-screen.jpg)

At its core, Tildagon combines:

- ESP32-S3 processing

- Wi-Fi and BLE connectivity

- Circular display

- Battery management

- Motion sensing

- USB-C connectivity

- Multi-side expansion interfaces

The platform encourages community-driven hardware and software extensions through its Hexpansion ecosystem.

## Why Ethernet Matters for Tildagon

Although Tildagon already supports Wi-Fi and BLE, wired Ethernet provides several unique advantages:

| Benefit | Description |
| --- | --- |
| Stable Connectivity | Reliable communication in crowded RF environments |
| Low Latency | Deterministic wired networking |
| Reduced Wi-Fi Congestion | Useful during large maker events |
| PoE Capability | Single-cable power and networking |
| Infrastructure Integration | Easier connection to existing LAN systems |

The PoE Ethernet Hexpansion transforms Tildagon from a wireless badge platform into a compact network-connected embedded system.

---

Source: https://maker.wiznet.io/lawrence/resellers/ethernet-hexpansion/