Abstract: A method for automatically requesting network management data is implemented using a system including a network management server and a client device connected to the network management server. The method includes: after being powered on, by the client device automatically generating and transmitting a request packet to the network management server, the request packet including both a first parameter field and a request for an IP address, the first parameter field being for requesting parts of network management data; in response to receipt of the request packet, by the network management server, generating and transmitting a replying packet to the client device, the replying packet including a second parameter field, the content of the second parameter field containing the parts of the network management data, wherein the second parameter field indicates a latest version number of firmware for the client device.