user13760: I know there are multiple threads about ethernet shields not starting properly after power up and that there are versions that don't have those problems. But which versions are okay? Which versions do not require extra soldering/pin bending/physical resets? 
How good are chinese rip-offs of those versions?

user85699: I have worked with Ethernet Shields and modules. Most of them has reset issue. So I just put a 100nF Capacitor between the reset pin and ground pin. This solution works for most of the time.
This issue is there because the IC on board the shield does not have the power on reset option.
You can also tie the reset pin of your module with the reset pin of the Arduino.

13760: <p>I know there are multiple threads about ethernet shields not starting properly after power up and that there are versions that don't have those problems. But which versions are okay? Which versions do not require extra soldering/pin bending/physical resets? </p>

<p>How good are chinese rip-offs of those versions?</p>
 85699: <p>I have worked with Ethernet Shields and modules. Most of them has reset issue. So I just put a 100nF Capacitor between the reset pin and ground pin. This solution works for most of the time.</p>
<p>This issue is there because the IC on board the shield does not have the power on reset option.</p>
<p>You can also tie the reset pin of your module with the reset pin of the Arduino.</p>
