Abstract: This invention allows a selected type of network device or resource (e.g. printers) to be discovered on a subnetwork and on remote subnetworks on a network. A broadcast message is sent requesting a response from each host on the subnetwork with a file having a listing of the device. Upon receipt of responses, a STIFLE message is transmitted to the host, thereby allowing subsequent broadcast messages to generate responses from remaining hosts. The responding hosts are then queried in order to obtain address information of potential devices on the subnetwork. A corresponding procedure obtains addresses of agents on remote subnetworks. The agents are then queried in order to obtain addresses of servers containing lists of potential devices on the remote subnetworks.