mfalkvidd
Please stand down, problem is resolved. When I return to a peaceful place, I will fill in the details.

BTW... Thank you for your quick responses... your suggestion re: look behind the hardware kept the boards off the target range.

Issue resolution: When the W5100 card silkscreen says +5V, it means it! Disconnected W5100 +5 pin from 3.3 Arduino and connected +5V and GND directly to power supply.... a glorious city of lights!

I reviewed the guides to see if this was something I had missed but 3.3V is clearly stated as the proper connection. If these boards have version numbers on the silkscreen, I can't find it.

I would like to suggest that you change this topic description to something more fitting so when someone else is presented with this same opportunity a port closure issue doesn't confuse the problem. I looked for an "edit" menu but, again, I can't find it.

As always, the solution is simple. Finding the actual problem is what is complex. It ain't what you don't know, it is what you're absolutely certain of that just ain't so what get's ya!

Thanks for you help, mfalkvidd. In spite of this rough start, being able to get assistance like yours encourages me about this adventure.