Abstract: In one embodiment, a networking hardware element (1100, 3100) capable of coupling computer network elements (1010) comprises a network diagnostic mechanism (2140) that is capable of mapping the computer network elements and that is also capable of determining a connection status for the computer network elements. The networking hardware element also comprises a display (2110, 3110, 5110) that is capable of communicating with the network diagnostic mechanism and that is also capable of displaying a network layout map (2111, 5111) of representations of the computer network elements and the connection status of the computer network elements.

Abstract: A system (100) capable of configuring an electrical device (101) coupled to a computer (102), the system includes: (a) a computer communications component (111) of the electrical device configured to communicate with the computer; and (b) an installation component (120) of the electrical device capable of an initial configuration the electrical device. In this embodiment, the installation component is configured to automatically begin the initial configuration of the electrical device as soon as the installation component detects the electrical device is not configured and the computer communications component establishes a data connection between the electrical device and the computer. Furthermore, the initial configuration of the electrical device includes an initial configuration of either a dynamic or non-dynamic network connection between the electrical device and a network provider.