Abstract: To permit discovery and configuration of a remotely located network server element by a client element of a local network device, the client sends a multicast discovery protocol request packet. The server element may monitor packets received at a pre-configured discovery protocol port of the server for the discovery protocol request packet. When the discovery protocol request packet is received at the discovery protocol port, the server element may validate the discovery protocol request packet by comparing a portion of a header with a predetermined value, and may perform an action requested by the discovery protocol request packet. The server element may also unicast a discovery protocol reply packet to the client indicating a response to the requested action.

Abstract: To permit discovery and configuration of a remotely located network server element by a client element of a local network device, the client sends a multicast discovery protocol request packet. The server element may monitor packets received at a pre-configured discovery protocol port of the server for the discovery protocol request packet. When the discovery protocol request packet is received at the discovery protocol port, the server element may validate the discovery protocol request packet by comparing a portion of a header with a predetermined value, and may perform an action requested by the discovery protocol request packet. The server element may also unicast a discovery protocol reply packet to the client indicating a response to the requested action.