Hi all,
I want to be able to use Ethernet in my projects but I'm so overwhelmed by its complexity that I don't know where to go. I've read and watch most of the information at microchip.com. I'm aware of the new PICs that have a MAC built-in and the ENC28J60. I'm also aware of the TCP/IP stack and the rest of the ... stuff (DHCP, ARP, etc.). The reason I say "I'm aware" is because I don't really understand the details of each. I'm aware of the TCP and IP packets. But I don't understand how to use them to connect a PIC from a PC running a custom application. I've seen their demos on the vending machine , Ethernet radio, etc. But I didn't see a demo on a custom application like they have for USB. I do want to be able to make the PC application as well. I have Visual Studio 2005. I'm not thinking that this is going to be quick and easy in fact I think it is going to be painfully slow, which I don't mind as long as I learn the stuff. I don't have a project right now that requires it so I have all the time in the world.
I'm looking for info that would tie all the info together. Like...
How does the PC application find the PIC? How can I TX data from the PIC to the PC? Will DHCP take care of all "handshake" (for lack of a better word) ? if so how does the PIC know where to send the data? etc, etc, etc.
Any books, web sites that can tie all that info would be great.
Thanks a bunch