Method and apparatus for automatically configuring a computer for different local area networks
First Claim
1. A method in a data processing system, the method comprising:
- connecting to a network;
receiving from the network a network identifier associated with the network;
identifying a set of configuration settings associated with the network identifier; and
using the set of configuration settings to configure the data processing system for operation on the network.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method, computer program product, and data processing system for automatically configuring a networking-enabled device for use with different networks is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a client stores multiple configuration profiles containing configuration settings corresponding to different networks. When the client becomes connected to a network, a router or other form of server detects the addition of the client to the network. In response to the client connecting to the network, the server broadcasts an identifier over the network, which the client receives. The client uses the identifier to identify the appropriate stored configuration profile corresponding to the network. The client then completes its configuration using the identified configuration profile. The present invention thus allows configuration of a client for multiple networks, while avoiding the security risks associated with transmitting dynamic configuration information over the network.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method in a data processing system, the method comprising:
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connecting to a network;
receiving from the network a network identifier associated with the network;
identifying a set of configuration settings associated with the network identifier; and
using the set of configuration settings to configure the data processing system for operation on the network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method in a first network element connected to a network, the method comprising:
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determining if a second network element has connected to the network;
transmitting over the network an identifier identifying the network in response to a determination that a second network element has connected to the network. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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11. A computer program product in a computer-readable medium, comprising functional descriptive material that, when executed by a data processing system, directs the data processing system to perform actions that include:
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connecting to a network;
receiving from the network a network identifier associated with the network;
identifying a set of configuration settings associated with the network identifier; and
using the set of configuration settings to configure the data processing system for operation on the network. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A computer program product in a computer-readable medium, comprising functional descriptive material that, when executed by a first network element, directs the first network element to perform actions that include:
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determining if a second network element has connected to the network;
transmitting over the network an identifier identifying the network in response to a determination that a second network element has connected to the network. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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21. A data processing system adapted for use as a network element, the data processing system comprising:
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means for connecting to a network;
means for receiving from the network a network identifier associated with the network;
means for identifying a set of configuration settings associated with the network identifier; and
means for using the set of configuration settings to configure the data processing system for operation on the network. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A data processing system configured as a first network element, the data processing system:
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means for determining if a second network element has connected to the network;
means for transmitting over the network an identifier identifying the network in response to a determination that a second network element has connected to the network. - View Dependent Claims (30)
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Specification