An IP address is automatically discovered by a network endpoint, such as a PC or router. The endpoint listens for a broadcast network packet or promiscuously listens for a unicast network packet sent from a web browser from a host system. The network packet includes the IP address for the host...http://www.google.de/patents/US5854901?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US5854901 - Method and apparatus for serverless internet protocol address discovery using source address of broadcast or unicast packet 
