QUERY · ISSUE

Include PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) Support in MicroPython Firmware for Raspberry Pi Pico W / Pico 2W

openby tirejasopened 2025-08-10updated 2025-10-13

enhancementport-rp2

Description

Background:
Currently, the official MicroPython firmware for Raspberry Pi Pico W and Pico 2W supports network connectivity via the onboard WiFi chip. However, some projects require network connectivity via external modems (e.g., 4G/LTE/3G GSM modules) using UART and PPP. The PPP module is not currently included in the official builds.

Use Case:

Connecting Pico W or Pico 2W to the internet via a serial modem using PPP (e.g., when WiFi is unavailable or not suitable).
Enabling MQTT and other network protocols over mobile data networks.

Request:

Please consider adding PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) support (as a module or built-in) to the official MicroPython firmware for Raspberry Pi Pico W and Pico 2W.

Benefits:

Allows greater flexibility for IoT projects.
Enables use of Pico W/2W in remote areas with cellular connectivity.
Unifies network API for both WiFi and modem scenarios.

References:

PPP support in MicroPython (esp32)

Thank you!

Code Size

I am unsure

Implementation

I would like to sponsor development of this feature

Code of Conduct

Yes, I agree

CANDIDATE · PULL REQUEST

docs: Note which ports have default or optional network.PPP support.

mergedby projectgusopened 2025-01-28updated 2025-02-11

docsport-stm32port-rp2

Summary

Someone was asking on Discord why only esp32 had network.PPP support. This PR adds a note in the docs about availability on custom builds of stm32 and rp2 ports. It also adds the default values of these macros to the respective mpconfigport.h files, to improve discoverability.

Testing

Built stm32 port PYBD_SF2 board with the new macro line changed to 1, verified build succeeded. It was also necessary to disable VFAT to save binary size.
Built rp2 port RPI_PICO_W board with the new macro line changed to 1, verified build succeeded and it was possible to instantiate a network.PPP object.

Trade-offs and Alternatives

It's a bit fiddly to have these notes in the docs about piecemeal support, but it gives a better user experience than following the documentation and finding the support is missing.