# How to connect an Arduino to Ethernet using an ENC28J60 module

**URL:** <https://www.robotexchange.io/t/how-to-connect-an-arduino-to-ethernet-using-an-enc28j60-module/4627>\
**Category:** 💡 How-to\
**Tags:** arduino, ethernet\
**Created:** [September 2, 2026, 12:14am UTC](https://www.robotexchange.io/t/how-to-connect-an-arduino-to-ethernet-using-an-enc28j60-module/4627 "2026-09-02T00:14:08Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![thijs](https://www.robotexchange.io/user_avatar/www.robotexchange.io/thijs/32/4_2.png) [@thijs](https://www.robotexchange.io/u/thijs)\
**Post date:** [September 2, 2026, 12:14am UTC](https://www.robotexchange.io/t/how-to-connect-an-arduino-to-ethernet-using-an-enc28j60-module/4627/1 "2026-09-02T00:14:08Z")

</div>

_Based on contributions by AaronM._

The ENC28J60 is a cheap SPI Ethernet module that gives an Arduino a wired network connection when you don’t have (or don’t want to rely on) Wi-Fi. Use it when your project needs to send or receive data over a LAN, for example to act as a simple web server or TCP client.

## What you need

- Arduino UNO or Arduino Mega
- ENC28J60 Ethernet module
- 6 jumper wires
- Arduino IDE with the **EthernetENC** library installed ([library docs](https://docs.arduino.cc/libraries/ethernetenc/))

## Steps

### 1. Wire the module (Arduino UNO)

Connect the ENC28J60 to the UNO as follows:

| Arduino pin | ENC28J60 pin | Purpose |
| --- | --- | --- |
| D13 | SCK | SPI clock |
| D12 | SO | Module output |
| D11 | SI | Module input |
| D10 | CS | Chip select (default; can be changed in code) |
| 3.3V | VCC | Power supply |
| GND | GND | Ground |

> ⚠ Use the Arduino’s **3.3V** pin for VCC, not 5V — the ENC28J60 is not 5V tolerant and will be damaged.

 ![Following Diagram](https://www.robotexchange.io/uploads/default/original/2X/4/44a4de092169b4ae1499a01a2c30a2613f9fe05e.jpeg)

All pins above are the library defaults; only the CS pin can be changed in software.

### 2. Wire the module (Arduino Mega)

If you’re using a Mega instead of an UNO, the SPI pins are in different locations:

| Arduino pin | ENC28J60 pin |
| --- | --- |
| D52 | SCK |
| D50 | SO |
| D51 | SI |
| D53 | CS |
| 3.3V | VCC |
| GND | GND |

### 3. Install the EthernetENC library

In the Arduino IDE, open **Sketch → Include Library → Manage Libraries** , search for “EthernetENC” and install it. This library supports using the Arduino as either a network client or a server.

### 4. Configure the network settings

In your sketch, define:

- A MAC address — a unique identifier for the Arduino on the network.
- An IP address — pick one on the same subnet as the rest of your network (e.g. if your laptop is on `192.168.0.x`, give the Arduino an unused address like `192.168.0.50`).
- An `EthernetServer` object with the port the Arduino should listen on.

 ![following example](https://www.robotexchange.io/uploads/default/original/2X/1/14f25cd95f2c91252c18ca30b8246b270981926b.png)

### 5. Start the connection in `setup()`

In `void setup()`, call `Serial.begin()` to set your serial baud rate, then `Ethernet.begin(mac, ip)` to bring up the network connection with your chosen MAC and IP, and finally `server.begin()` to start listening on the configured port.

 ![following](https://www.robotexchange.io/uploads/default/original/2X/2/2c9ca3be2731a32000db220f4c23ac45373189ec.png)

## Common mistakes

- Powering the module from 5V instead of 3.3V — this damages the ENC28J60.
- Reusing an IP address that’s already taken on the network, or using a subnet that doesn’t match the rest of your LAN.
- Wiring the Mega with the UNO pin numbers (SPI pins differ between the two boards).

## Related

- [How to switch higher-voltage loads with an Arduino (relay, optocoupler, H-bridge)](https://www.robotexchange.io/t/how-to-switch-higher-voltage-loads-with-an-arduino-relay-optocoupler-h-bridge/4628) — switching higher-voltage loads with an Arduino

* * *

_Rewritten and consolidated (Sept 2026) from the original student how-to’s: [How-to: connect an Arduino to ethernet via an ENC28J680 Module](https://www.robotexchange.io/t/how-to-connect-an-arduino-to-ethernet-via-an-enc28j680-module/3951)._