Ethernet-Based Web Server for Embedded Systems

Overview

This project demonstrates the implementation of an Ethernet-based web server using the ENC28J60 Ethernet Controller and an 8051-based microcontroller (AT89C51RC2). The microcontroller collects real-time sensor data and transmits it over Ethernet to a web page that displays the status.

The primary goal of this project was to gain hands-on experience with the Ethernet (TCP/IP) protocol and understand how embedded systems interact with networked applications.

System Architecture

The system consists of the following components:

• Microcontroller (AT89C51RC2): Reads sensor data.
• Temperature Sensor: Provides environmental data.
• ENC28J60 Ethernet Module: Acts as a SPI-to-Ethernet interface.
• Web Page: Displays real-time sensor status.
• PC/Laptop: Accesses the embedded web server via a browser.

Below is the block diagram of the system:

Project Demonstration

The microcontroller establishes an SPI-based communication with the ENC28J60 module, which then serves a simple web page over Ethernet. The web page dynamically updates with real-time sensor readings.

The captured packets in Wireshark verify TCP/IP communication and HTTP requests between the embedded server and the client.

Screenshot of the Web Page & Wireshark Analysis:

Features

✔️ Microcontroller-based web server
✔️ SPI communication with ENC28J60
✔️ Static HTML page served over Ethernet
✔️ HTTP GET requests handled by the embedded system
✔️ Real-time sensor data displayed on the web page
✔️ Packet analysis via Wireshark

Future Enhancements

🔹 Implement dynamic web pages with AJAX for real-time updates
🔹 Full integration on 8051 without relying on STM32 as a fallback
🔹 Improve memory and speed optimization for embedded network handling

How to Run

1. Connect the AT89C51RC2 microcontroller with the ENC28J60 Ethernet module.
2. Power the system and ensure SPI communication is functioning.
3. Open a browser and enter the IP address: 192.168.1.100.
4. The web page will display the real-time sensor data.
5. Use Wireshark to monitor network traffic and verify TCP/IP packets.

Authors

👨‍💻 Abhishek Nadgir
👨‍💻 Abhishek Koppa
Course: ECEN 5613 - Embedded System Design
📅 Date: December 15, 2024

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This project showcases embedded web servers, SPI communication, and TCP/IP networking using a microcontroller-based system. 🚀