Patent ID: 8661252

Claim:
A method of operating a networked device coupled to a network comprising a credential server that provides network credentials in accordance with a protocol comprising a plurality of messages, each message comprising a plurality of fields prescribed by the protocol, with a first portion of the plurality of fields having content prescribed by the protocol and a second portion of the plurality of fields having content that is not prescribed by the protocol, the method comprising: sending a first message of the plurality of messages, the first message comprising at least a first field in the second portion of the plurality of fields, the first field containing an indication of a set of encryption mechanisms supported by the device; receiving a second message of the plurality of messages, the second message comprising a second field in the second portion of the plurality of fields, the second field containing an indication of a selected encryption mechanism from the set of encryption mechanisms; and sending a third message of the plurality of messages, the third message comprising at least a third field in the second portion of the plurality of fields containing content encrypted with the selected encryption mechanism, wherein the content of the third field comprises a statement of health concerning the device, wherein: the second message comprises a server certificate; and the method further comprises validating the certificate as corresponding to a server authorized by an administrator of the network to provide network credentials.