Is one solution much simpler than the other? Yes, [Cicero]’s work allows anyone to add Ethernet to the ESP8266 with a few resistors and a module that costs $3 from the usual online shops.

When we first heard about it a few weeks ago, we knew the ESP8266 UART to WiFi module was a special beast. It was cheap, gave every microcontroller the ability to connect to a WiFi network ...

Bluetooth and Ethernet with optional Zigbee connectivity also available if needed. The ZiGate has been designed to fit inside the official Raspberry Pi 4 enclosure and features a wireless module ...