Vehicle data communications network

A method of configuring an automotive data communications network, the automotive data communications network comprising first and second controllers, the first controller being operatively connected to a first data bus, the second controller being operatively connected to a second data bus and the first and second controllers being operatively connected to each other via a high-speed data communications channel, each data bus being operatively connected to one or more electronic devices, the method comprising:

• receiving a first data message over the high-speed data communications channel at the first controller from the second controller;
• determining a network address associated with the second controller in dependence on the received first data message;
• and
• outputting a second data message from the first controller over the high-speed data communications channel, the second data message enabling the second controller to determine a network address associated with the first controller;
• receiving a first service discovery message at the first controller over the high-speed data communications channel;
• determining a first set of one or more services available to the first controller in dependence on the received first service discovery message;
• and
• outputting a second service discovery message over the high-speed data communications channel enabling a second set of one or more services available to the first controller to be determined.