Abstract: A system and method automatically configures the interfaces of an intermediate network device. A discovery process operating at the device detects the identity or type of network entities actually coupled to the device's interfaces. Utilizing the identity or type of detected entities, a look-up is performed to obtain a configuration macro specially defined for each detected network entity. The retrieved configuration macros are executed and applied at the respective interfaces. During operation, the intermediate network device continues to monitor the identity and type of entities actually coupled to its interfaces. If a change is detected, such as an entity moving from a first to a second interface, the specially defined configuration macro for that entity floats from the first to the second interface where it is executed and applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for registering auto-configured network addresses includes receiving first data at a networking device connected to a host at a physical connection. The first data is received from a first server and indicates authentication information associated with the host. A first message is received at the networking device from the host. The first message requests configuration information and includes a logical network address for the host determined at least in part by the host. A second message is generated based on the first message and the first data. The second message is sent to a second server that registers the host by associating the logical network address with the first data.

Abstract: Techniques for assigning a network address to a host are based on authentication for a physical connection between the host and an intermediate device. One approach involves receiving first data at the intermediate device from an authentication and authorization server in response to a request for authentication for the physical connection. The first data indicates at least some of authentication and authorization information. A configuration request message from the host is also received at the intermediate device. The configuration request message is for discovering a logical network address for the host. A second message is generated based on the configuration request message and the first data. The second message is sent to a configuration server that provides the logical network address for the host. The configuration server is then able to provide the logical network address based on authorization and authentication information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for registering auto-configured network addresses includes receiving first data at a networking device connected to a host at a physical connection. The first data is received from a first server and indicates authentication information associated with the host. A first message is received at the networking device from the host. The first message requests configuration information and includes a logical network address for the host determined at least in part by the host. A second message is generated based on the first message and the first data. The second message is sent to a second server that registers the host by associating the logical network address with the first data.

Abstract: A system and method automatically configures the interfaces of an intermediate network device. A discovery process operating at the device detects the identity or type of network entities actually coupled to the device's interfaces. Utilizing the identity or type of detected entities, a look-up is performed to obtain a configuration macro specially defined for each detected network entity. The retrieved configuration macros are executed and applied at the respective interfaces. During operation, the intermediate network device continues to monitor the identity and type of entities actually coupled to its interfaces. If a change is detected, such as an entity moving from a first to a second interface, the specially defined configuration macro for that entity floats from the first to the second interface where it is executed and applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for registering auto-configured network addresses includes receiving first data at a networking device connected to a host at a physical connection. The first data is received from a first server and indicates authentication information associated with the host. A first message is received at the networking device from the host. The first message requests configuration information and includes a logical network address for the host determined at least in part by the host. A second message is generated based on the first message and the first data. The second message is sent to a second server that registers the host by associating the logical network address with the first data.

Abstract: A system and method automatically configures the interfaces of an intermediate network device. A discovery process operating at the device detects the identity or type of network entities actually coupled to the device's interfaces. Utilizing the identity or type of detected entities, a look-up is performed to obtain a configuration macro specially defined for each detected network entity. The retrieved configuration macros are executed and applied at the respective interfaces. During operation, the intermediate network device continues to monitor the identity and type of entities actually coupled to its interfaces. If a change is detected, such as an entity moving from a first to a second interface, the specially defined configuration macro for that entity floats from the first to the second interface where it is executed and applied.

Abstract: Techniques for assigning a network address to a host are based on authentication for a physical connection between the host and an intermediate device. One approach involves receiving first data at the intermediate device from an authentication and authorization server in response to a request for authentication for the physical connection. The first data indicates at least some of authentication and authorization information. A configuration request message from the host is also received at the intermediate device. The configuration request message is for discovering a logical network address for the host. A second message is generated based on the configuration request message and the first data. The second message is sent to a configuration server that provides the logical network address for the host. The configuration server is then able to provide the logical network address based on authorization and authentication information.

Abstract: Techniques for assigning a network address to a host are based on authentication for a connection between the host and an intermediate device. One approach involves receiving first data at the intermediate device from an authentication and authorization server in response to a request for authentication for the connection. The first data indicates at least some of authentication and authorization information. A configuration request message from the host is also received at the intermediate device. A second message is generated based on the configuration request message and the first data and is sent to a configuration server that provides the logical network address for the host. The configuration server provides the logical network address based on authorization and authentication information. The logical network address is thus based on the user, e.g., to limit access by the user to the Internet and other services.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for registering auto-configured network addresses includes receiving first data at a networking device connected to a host at a physical connection. The first data is received from a first server and indicates authentication information associated with the host. A first message is received at the networking device from the host. The first message requests configuration information and includes a logical network address for the host determined at least in part by the host. A second message is generated based on the first message and the first data. The second message is sent to a second server that registers the host by associating the logical network address with the first data.