# RP2040 microcontroller gains SSH server via custom firmware

> **Key takeaway:** Developer Ricardo Marques created custom PlatformIO firmware that runs an SSH server on RP2040-based boards with W5500 Ethernet, enabling remote shell access to microcontrollers.

**Published:** 2026-10-21T23:52:17+00:00 
**Source:** Hackster.io News 
**Category:** open-hardware 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/rp2040-microcontroller-gains-ssh-server-via-custom-firmware.html 

## Summary
Ricardo Marques developed open firmware that brings SSH connectivity to the RP2040 microcontroller used in Raspberry Pi Pico and compatible boards. The implementation requires a W5500 TCP/IP controller for wired Ethernet and currently exposes basic GPIO control through a shell session. The project demonstrates SSH as an alternative to serial, Bluetooth, or WiFi for remote device management on constrained hardware.

## How the SSH-on-Pico implementation works
- **Hardware**: WIZnet W5500-EVB-Pico or any RP2040 board plus separate W5500 module for TCP/IP and RJ45 Ethernet
- **Firmware stack**: Built in PlatformIO, combining Arduino-Pico Ethernet drivers with layered TCP/IP and SSH modules
- **Deployment**: Clone repository, configure static IP or use defaults, generate SSH keys, build and flash to RP2040
- **Access**: Default account "sshrp", standard SSH client connection with key fingerprint confirmation
- **Current capability**: Shell commands limited to onboard LED control (on/off/blink/status)
- **Extensibility**: GPIO-based control can be expanded to other peripherals connected to the development board

## Why it matters
The project provides a reference implementation for adding encrypted remote management to low-cost microcontroller deployments without relying on wireless stacks or serial converters, potentially simplifying headless IoT and automation setups.