NodeMCU - ES8266 Board

The NodeMCU ES8266 board is probably the most affordable method making use of the Arduino IDE to have WiFi capability in a microcontroller package.  It is as simple to use as an Arduino, although I have found that there is a great limit in using it like an Arduino in terms of what pins are available.  

ENC28J60 - Ethernet Board

In continuing to pursue ethernet communication with the arduino, I purchased an ENC28J60.  My initial plan was to use this small board as a replacement for the Arduino Ethernet Shield for when working with the Arduino Nano.  However, not only has this been the most difficult board to integrate with, it also did not seem to work with the Nano.

Ethernet Shield

The ethernet shield by SunFounder is a very fast way to add hardline ethernet functionality to the arduino board.  The sketches are also fairly straight forward with a few gotchas to consider.