All devices on a TCP/IP network must be assigned an IP address. Whereas the MAC address is the hardware address of the device, the IP address is a software address. The DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) allows this assignment to take place automatically (for more address information and configuration options, see the Addresses topic).
The demo application comes with both a DHCP server and DHCP client configured. This allows the board to connect to most networks without configuration. If a free Ethernet port is available on a nearby router, switch, or wall plate, the board can be connected directly using any standard straight-through Ethernet cable. Under this configuration, the board will attempt to obtain an IP address from your network's DHCP server.
If this method is not possible, a crossover Ethernet cable can be used to connect the board directly to a PC's Ethernet port. Using this configuration, the board will act as its own DHCP server and will assign a single IP address to the computer. (The Fast 100Mbps Ethernet PICtail Plus and some newer PCs do not require a special crossover cable, so any Ethernet cable can be used.)
Connect the development board to the network and wait for the link LED on the Ethernet jack to light up. The board is now on the network and capable of communicating with other devices.
If the link LED on the Ethernet jack does not light, your board cannot link to the network. Ensure that you have selected the proper cable, and try switching from a straight-through to a crossover cable, or vice versa.
Now that the board is online, you can Upload the Demo Web Pages.