[En-Nut-Discussion] Ethernet physical interface, do I have a free choice

[Dave Warren]

Please forgive me if this is a stupid question, as ethernet is still very 
new to me.

I have ethernut running on the AT91SAM7X-EK development board and now I 
would like to design my own board using the same Atmel chip. Now the dev 
board uses a Davicom DM9161A for the PHY. If I use a different PHY (maybe 
SMSC LAN8187) does this have any implications to the software. It seems the 
PHY chips are programmed through SMI.

If it is a big hassle to change PHY does anyone know a source for Davicom in 
the UK?

I would be greatful for any advice.

Regards

David Warren