# Ethernet & ArtNet Configuration
The MVP's Ethernet port serves two purposes: **ArtNet output** (DMX lighting over network) and **wired network access** if necessary (browser UI, RTP-MIDI). This page covers Ethernet IP configuration for both use cases.
***
## Accessing Ethernet Settings
1. Click the **Settings gear** icon in the top-right corner of the web interface.
2. Select **"Ethernet | Artnet"**.
The dialog title is "Ethernet | Artnet" and contains two tabs for switching between DHCP and Static modes.
***
## DHCP vs. Static IP
### DHCP (Automatic)
The MVP requests an IP address from a DHCP server on the network (e.g., your router). All fields are populated automatically and **cannot be edited**. A **Refresh** button is available to renew the DHCP lease.
* **Best for**: Internet access, RTP-MIDI, situations where ArtNet isn't being used
### Static IP (Manual)
You manually specify the IP address, subnet mask, and optional gateway.
* **Best for**: ArtNet operation (ArtNet requires predictable IPs on a specific subnet)
**Fields:**
| Field | Description | ArtNet Recommended |
| --------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | ------------------ |
| **IP Address** | The MVP's Ethernet IP | `2.0.0.111` |
| **Subnet Mask** | Network mask | `255.0.0.0` |
| **Gateway** | Router address (optional -- leave blank for ArtNet) | *(blank)* |
Click **Apply IP Settings** to save. Changes are **not** auto-saved -- you must explicitly click the button.
> **Tip**: For ArtNet playback, leave the Gateway field blank.
### Cable Disconnected
If no Ethernet cable is connected, all controls are **disabled**. The dialog indicates the cable is unplugged and the fields cannot be edited until a cable is detected.
***
## What Happens When You Change Ethernet Settings
When you apply a new IP configuration (or switch between DHCP and Static), the MVP automatically updates its ArtNet output and network configuration to use the new settings. This takes a few seconds. You do not need to reboot. ArtNet output resumes on the new network automatically.
***
## ArtNet Configuration
### How ArtNet Output Works
The MVP broadcasts ArtNet data on its Ethernet interface:
* **Up to 16 universes** simultaneously (Universe 0-15)
* **UDP broadcast** to the network's broadcast address
* **Port 6454** (standard ArtNet port)
The MVP automatically determines the correct broadcast address based on your IP and subnet settings.
ArtNet nodes on the same subnet receive these broadcasts and convert them to DMX output.
### Standard ArtNet IP Range
The Art-Net protocol traditionally uses the **2.x.x.x** IP range:
| Device | IP Address | Subnet |
| --------------- | ---------- | --------- |
| **MVP** | 2.0.0.111 | 255.0.0.0 |
| **ArtNet Node** | 2.x.x.x | 255.0.0.0 |
All devices on the ArtNet network must share the same subnet.
***
## USB-ArtNet Passthrough
When recording DMX from lighting software running on your computer, ArtNet data travels over the USB-C connection:
1. Your lighting software sends ArtNet data to the MVP over USB-C
2. The MVP bridges the ArtNet traffic out through the Ethernet port
3. Your ArtNet nodes receive the data -- you can record and preview simultaneously without a network switch
This works automatically with both Mac and Windows computers. The MVP detects your computer type and handles the routing. When the MVP is playing its own DMX clips, the USB-ArtNet Passthrough automatically pauses.
> *For full recording setup:* [*Recording ArtNet -- Lighting Software*](/3.-lighting-setup/recording-artnet-lighting-software.md)
***
## USB-C Host Status
The Dashboard shows a **USB-C Host** status card indicating:
* Whether a host computer is connected
* The host type (Mac or PC)
* The MVP's USB IP address
* The host computer's IP address
This is useful for verifying the USB-ArtNet passthrough connection.
***
## Related Pages
* [Wi-Fi Setup](/7.-networking/wifi-setup.md) -- Wireless network configuration
* [IP Range Conflicts](/7.-networking/ip-range-conflicts.md) -- Resolving Wi-Fi/Ethernet subnet conflicts
* [Lighting Configuration](/3.-lighting-setup/lighting-configuration.md) -- DMX clip setup
* [Recording ArtNet -- Lighting Software](/3.-lighting-setup/recording-artnet-lighting-software.md) -- USB-ArtNet recording
* [Recording ArtNet -- Lighting Desk](/3.-lighting-setup/recording-artnet-lighting-desk.md) -- Console-based recording
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