Method and apparatus for automatic configuration of a network node

A monitor system for acquiring, processing and transferring monitored data from a patient, said system being distributed over at least two geographically separate patient monitoring areas and interconnected via a communication network having a network node connection in each of the areas, comprising:

• a portable monitor for being coupled to the patient for receiving and processing patient data signals monitored therefrom;
• and
• at least one patient monitor docking station for being selectively coupled to the portable patient monitor, said at least one docking station being located in at least one of said patient monitoring areas, and connected for transmission of patient data received from the portable patient monitor to said network via one of said network node connections, wherein
• said docking station comprises:
• coupling means for facilitating a detachable coupling between the portable monitor and the docking station;
• signal transfer means for transferring patient-related data signals between the portable monitor and the docking station when the portable monitor is coupled to the docking station;
• a data storage means coupled to the signal transfer means for storing network-related identity information therein, and transferring the network-related identity information, including location specific address information of said one network node connection, to the portable monitor when it is coupled to the docking station;
• and
• wherein said portable monitor incorporates said identity information into its transmission of patient related data signals from said portable patient monitor to said network via the signal transfer means of the docking station.