# Ethernut > project developing Embedded Ethernet Devices with open design and related software **Wikidata**: [Q1371215](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1371215) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernut) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ethernut ## Summary Ethernut is an open hardware project focused on developing Embedded Ethernet Devices with accessible design documents and related software. It is defined by its open hardware approach and integrates the modular real-time operating system Nut/OS. ## Key Facts - Instance of: open hardware and free software - License: BSD licenses - Has part: Nut/OS (modular real-time operating system) - Founded: 2002 (SourceForge project start time) - Website: http://ethernut.de/ - Official Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Ethernut50f.png - Source Code Repository: svn://svn.code.sf.net/p/ethernut/code/trunk (Apache Subversion) - Available languages: de, en, fr (Wikipedia) - Sitelink Count: 3 ## FAQs ### Q: What exactly is Ethernut? A: Ethernut is an open hardware project dedicated to creating Embedded Ethernet Devices, meaning devices designed to connect to networks, where the hardware designs are openly accessible and modifiable. It also develops the associated software, primarily the Nut/OS real-time operating system. ### Q: What hardware does Ethernut use or target? A: While specific hardware models aren't detailed in the provided source, Ethernut focuses on devices utilizing Ethernet connectivity, characterized by open hardware designs. The project provides the software (Nut/OS) and reference designs for such devices. ### Q: How can I get started with Ethernut? A: Visit the official website at http://ethernut.de/. The project's source code is available via Subversion at svn://svn.code.sf.net/p/ethernut/code/trunk. You can also find information on its Nut/OS operating system and open hardware designs there. ### Q: Is the Ethernut project free to use? A: Yes, Ethernut is classified as free software and open hardware. It is released under BSD licenses, which permit free use, modification, and distribution. ## Why It Matters Ethernut played a significant role in making embedded networking accessible and open. By providing openly documented hardware designs and free, modular software (Nut/OS), it lowered the barrier for developers and hobbyists to build network-connected devices. Since its inception in 2002, it contributed to the open-source embedded systems ecosystem, fostering innovation and collaboration in the field of small, network-enabled devices. Its open hardware approach aligns with broader principles of transparency and community-driven development in technology. ## Notable For * **Open Hardware Definition:** Explicitly defined as an open hardware project, where hardware design documents are openly accessible and modifiable. * **BSD Licensing:** Uses BSD licenses, providing permissive terms for use, modification, and redistribution of both hardware designs and software. * **Longevity:** Actively developed since at least 2002, as evidenced by its SourceForge project start time. * **Nut/OS Integration:** Deeply intertwined with its Nut/OS operating system, which is both a core component and the primary software solution for its embedded devices. * **Multi-language Documentation:** Its presence in German (de), English (en), and French (fr) Wikipedia indicates a reach beyond English-speaking communities. ## Body ### Purpose and Definition Ethernut is fundamentally a project focused on developing Embedded Ethernet Devices. The core concept is "open design," meaning the hardware designs are classified as open hardware, where design documents are openly accessible and modifiable by others. The project also encompasses the development of related software, primarily the Nut/OS operating system. ### Core Components * **Hardware:** The project develops Embedded Ethernet Devices characterized by open hardware designs. Specific hardware models or boards are not detailed in the provided source. * **Software:** The primary software component is Nut/OS. Nut/OS is described as a modular real-time operating system developed and provided by the Ethernut project. It is an integral part of the project and the software solution for its devices. ### Project History * **Founding:** The project began around 2002, indicated by the start time of its SourceForge project. * **Repository Source:** Source code is hosted via Apache Subversion at svn://svn.code.sf.net/p/ethernut/code/trunk. * **Online Presence:** The official website is located at http://ethernut.de/. ### Licensing and Classification * **Software License:** The project is classified as free software and is licensed under BSD licenses. This allows for free use, modification, and distribution under the terms of those licenses. * **Hardware Classification:** The hardware designs are classified as open hardware. * **Copyright Status:** The overall copyright status is listed as copyrighted. ### Community and Documentation * **Wikipedia Coverage:** The project has entries on Wikipedia in German (de), English (en), and French (fr). * **Sitelink Count:** It has 3 sitelinks on Wikidata. * **Image:** An official image exists at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Ethernut50f.png.