Auto-configuration for data collection terminals

A computer readable medium storing a computer program for automatically configuring at least one un-configured data collection terminal interfaced to a network utilizing TCP/IP protocol, the network including a plurality of devices in communication therewith, the plurality of devices including at least one of a client or server, the network including a defined subnet, the medium comprising:

• a source code segment for determining the presence of a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server;
• a source code segment for obtaining an IP address utilizing DHCP protocol if a DHCP is confirmed in communication with the network;
• a source code segment for allocating an IP address in a link-local addressing range if it is confirmed a DHCP is not in communication with the network;
• a source code segment for broadcasting data indicative of a presence on the network to the at least one client or server;
• a source code segment for initiating a browsing sequence in which the at least one data collection terminal, or the at least one client or server, sends a query to all connected devices on the subnet requesting a list of all devices that match a service type/protocol name and domain that the at least one data collection terminal is adapted to communicate therewith;
• and
• a source code segment for the at least one data collection terminal, or the at least one client or server, to receive responses from devices on the subnet in which the response includes each device's qualified name.