Calling Ethernet.begin() twice without resetting the Wiznet W5100?

Projects Programming
1

I have a Mega2560 with Ethernet shield.
There is also a Watch Dog Timer (WDT) and it may reset the Arduino.

If the Ethernet.begin() method has been called and an ip configured,
and if the WDT ever times out causing the Arduino to reset (without actually pressing the reset button),
wouldn't the W5100 still retain its configuration?
Would calling Ethernet.begin() again once the Arduino booted back up reset the W5100?
Is there anything I can (should?) call to shutdown the Ethernet shield prior to a reset or reconfiguration?

Many Thanks!

2

wouldn't the W5100 still retain its configuration?

How have YOU "configured" it?

Would calling Ethernet.begin() again once the Arduino booted back up reset the W5100?

Yes.

Is there anything I can (should?) call to shutdown the Ethernet shield prior to a reset or reconfiguration?

No.