Patent ID: 8671172

Claim:
A computer implemented method for configuring a network device on a private network, comprising configuring one or more processors to perform an operation, comprising: broadcasting a self-identifying status message to the private network; receiving from a client computer, in response to the self-identifying status message, an open path request to establish a direct message route including a private network key; verifying authenticity of the open path request by comparing the received private network key with a stored private network key; if the authenticity of the open path request is verified: responding to the received open path request with a open path response and establishing the direct message route with the client computer for obtaining at least one or more network configuration settings, and receiving, via the direct message route, the one or more network configuration settings from the client computer; and automatically updating the direct message route via the direct message route and maintaining connectivity without interruption, between the network device and client computer if an IP address or a subnet is changed.