Importance

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Abstract

An automated configuration system and method configures home network client computers, including determining local service provider information, without any user assistance. The distributed computer network includes network home client computers and at least one autoconfiguration server. When the home network client computer is powered on it determines whether it possesses the requisite configuration information. If not, the home network client computer sends a configuration request along with client computer identifying information to the autoconfiguration server. The autoconfiguration server uses the client identifying information to determine a local service provider information and client computer specific data. The autoconfiguration server determines the local service provider information by looking up a directory of local service providers, the directory being stored on the autoconfiguration server or on another server. The autoconfiguration server determines the client computer specific data by accessing a database containing client computer information for each home network client computer, the database being stored either on the autoconfiguration server itself or on another server. The client computer specific data is stored in the database at the time of sale or shipment of the home network computer to the user. Local service provider information and the client computer specific data are downloaded to the requesting home network client computer. The home network client computer uses the configuration information downloaded by the autoconfiguration server to configure itself and establish a connection to the local service provider.

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First Claim