Project Hub /Basic Analog & Power Electronics/Sharing your Wifi Internet over the Ethernet Port of Raspberry Pi

Intermediate

RASPBERRY PI

Project Specific

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

Sharing your Wifi Internet over the Ethernet Port of Raspberry Pi

Learn how to configure a Raspberry Pi to connect to a WiFi network and share that internet connection over its Ethernet LAN port to devices without WiFi capabilities.

Originally published on CircuitDigest

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

Raspberry Pi 3 - Model B+ 1.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core Processor with 1 GB Ram (Original) Rs. 9,810.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: WiFi Module (generic)
Ethernet / W5500
SD / MicroSD Card
SD Card Module

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How It Works

This system operates by utilizing the Raspberry Pi 5 as a network bridge and router, converting a wireless internet connection into a wired Ethernet output. The Raspberry Pi first connects to a local wireless network using its onboard Wi-Fi capabilities, receiving data packets from the router. By configuring the operating system—flashed onto the SD card using Raspberry Pi Imager and accessed via PuTTY—the Raspberry Pi acts as a gateway. It uses network address translation (NAT) and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) routing mechanisms managed via software. When an Ethernet LAN cable is plugged into the Raspberry Pi's physical Ethernet port and connected to a target device, the Pi forwards the internet traffic received from the Wi-Fi interface directly through the wired interface. Tools like Angry IP Scanner help verify the network topology and identify connected devices on the newly established local subnet. Power is supplied continuously via an appropriate power supply to ensure stability during data packet transmission and routing operations.

Why Build This

Bridge wireless internet to legacy desktop computers, smart TVs, or embedded hardware lacking onboard Wi-Fi adapters using a Raspberry Pi 5.

Gain practical undergraduate-level experience in Linux networking stack configuration, routing tables, and network address translation (NAT).

Create a portable, localized hardwired access point for testing and provisioning network-attached devices in lab environments.

Real-World Application

Providing wired internet access to legacy desktop computers, smart TVs, or network devices that lack wireless network cards by bridging them through a nearby Raspberry Pi connected to WiFi.

Skills You'll Learn

Network bridging

DHCP server configuration

Linux routing and NAT

SSH remote management

IP subnet scanning

Safety Precautions

No specific precautions noted for this build — always follow general electronics safety practices.

Technology Tags

RASPBERRY PI

ETHERNET

WIFI

NETWORKING

LINUX

DHCP

IPTABLES

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any version of the Raspberry Pi for this project?

The project specifically targets the Raspberry Pi 5 platform, though concepts generally apply to similar Linux-based single-board computers with an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi capability.

Why do I need PuTTY if I have the Raspberry Pi connected to a PC?

PuTTY is an SSH client used to remotely access the Raspberry Pi's command-line interface from your PC or laptop, allowing you to configure the network bridge without needing a dedicated monitor and keyboard attached to the Pi.

Do I need a crossover cable to connect the Raspberry Pi to my device?

No, modern Raspberry Pi Ethernet ports feature auto-MDIX, meaning a standard Ethernet LAN cable is sufficient to connect directly to a computer, smart TV, or switch.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

PRJ-00686