Abstract: A network device management tool that allows a client, such as a network management tool or network device setup utility, to reliably obtain information about a network device. Variations of the network device management tool may alternately or additionally allow a client to deliver information to the network device, such as instructions to control the operation of the network device. The network device management tool may be incorporated into the network device.

Abstract: A network device setup utility gathers network configuration information at a computing device, displays network-device-installation instructions; and configures the network device by sending the gathered network configuration information from the computing device to the network device. The gathered network configuration information may include a type of Internet connection, such as DHCP, static IP, dynamic PPPoE, or Static PPPoE. The gathered network configuration information includes an Internet Service Provider account name and password. The network-device-installation instructions may include a customizable graphical depiction of the network device and may provide ordered step-by-step instructions for connecting a network cable and a power cable to the network device. Configuring the network device, which may be a router, may include confirming Internet connectivity.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed that allows different computers in a network to create an identifier that uniquely identifies the network. The technique allows the unique identifier to be consistently created over time, regardless of the particular make up of the computing devices in the network at any particular point time. In some implementation, a computer within the network hosts the identification creation tool. In order to create a unique identifier for the network, the tool identifies each network adapter used by the host computer. Using this information, the tool identifies a gateway device used by the network adapter or adapters, and then determines the physical network address of that gateway device. For example, if the network is an Ethernet network, the tool will determine the medial access control (MAC) address for the gateway device. The tool then creates a unique identifier for the network based upon the physical address.