Abstract: A pseudorandom, iterative method and apparatus for automatically creating an address for each remote unit of a data communication network comprising a plurality of remote units, such as the seat electronic units (17) of a passenger aircraft, and a central unit, such as a central transmitter/receiver unit (13). The formats of the message frames that control the flow of data between the central unit and the plurality of remote units includes a synchronization word, a command word, and a series of data word segments. The number of data word segments is equal to or greater than the number of remote units. The pseudorandom, iterative method and apparatus assigns addresses such that one and only one remote unit is associated with a data word segment position. First, the central unit transmits an ADDRESS ASSIGN PHASE 1 command to each remote unit. In response, each remote unit randomly selects a data word segment position and replies to the central unit in the selected position.