Zero-configuration networking

<p>Zero-configuration networking (zeroconf) is a set of technologies that automatically creates a usable <a href="/facts/Computer_network/3w5RM99p">computer network</a> based on the <a href="/facts/Internet_Protocol_Suite/KNkxtSpw">Internet Protocol Suite</a> (TCP/IP) when computers or network peripherals are interconnected. It does not require manual operator intervention or special configuration servers. Without zeroconf, a network administrator must set up <a href="/facts/Network_service/GdLvd2ml">network services</a>, such as <a href="/facts/Dynamic_Host_Configuration_Protocol/lpASHnhz">Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol</a> (DHCP) and <a href="/facts/Domain_Name_System/rfxdWFsj">Domain Name System</a> (DNS), or configure each computer's network settings manually.
</p><p>Zeroconf is built on three core technologies: automatic assignment of numeric <a href="/facts/Network_address/W7RQVwBr">network addresses</a> for networked devices, automatic distribution and resolution of computer <a href="/facts/Hostname/WcLyMFKA">hostnames</a>, and automatic <a href="/facts/Service_discovery/ffYBWapn">location of network services</a>, such as printing devices.
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Zero-configuration networking open-in-new

Zero-configuration networking