Abstract: A data processing system and method are described for providing a dynamically assigned network address to a client computer system. The data processing system includes a server computer system coupled to the network. An access port is provided which is coupled to the network. The computer system is coupled to the network utilizing the access port. The computer system is then powered on. The computer system requires a network address in order to communicate utilizing the network. The computer system initially has no stored network address each time prior to being powered on. A dynamic network address is provided to the computer system utilizing only the access port each time the computer system is powering on.