Peer-to-peer distribution of firmware

A method of integrating a plurality of ancillary endpoints into an existing network of endpoints, each of the existing endpoints includes a software stored thereon that is compatible with the other endpoints on the network, a local area network providing a communication pathway for the existing network of endpoints, the method comprising:

• coupling the ancillary endpoints in an isolated peer-to-peer network;
• couple an administrator to the isolated network, the administrator providing a plurality of control commands to the ancillary endpoints and a master endpoint;
• designate the master endpoint and assign a master IP address to the master endpoint, the master endpoint having a target software stored thereon;
• assign an IP address to each ancillary endpoint;
• commanding, from the administrator, the master endpoint to distribute the target software to the ancillary endpoints;
• download the target software from the master endpoint to the ancillary endpoints via the isolated peer-to-peer network;
• verify the distribution of the target software to the ancillary endpoints;
• upon verification, sever the ancillary endpoints from the isolated network;
• and
• couple the ancillary endpoints to the existing network of endpoints via the local area network.

A method for adding at least two ancillary endpoints to a network of existing endpoints, each of the existing endpoints includes a software stored thereon that is compatible with the other endpoints on the network, a local area network providing a communication pathway for the existing network of endpoints, the method comprising:

• coupling the ancillary endpoints to an isolated hub;
• coupling a computing device to the isolated hub, the computing device capable of accessing a web page and displaying the contents of the page and for providing a plurality of control commands to the ancillary endpoints and a master endpoint;
• initiating a programming session by accessing the web page;
• selecting one or more ancillary endpoints via the web page;
• designating the master endpoint as the distributor endpoint on the basis that the firmware stored on the master is to be distributed to the selected ancillary endpoints via the isolated hub;
• commanding the master endpoint to distribute the firmware to the ancillary endpoints;
• confirming the distribution of the firmware to the selected ancillary endpoints;
• upon confirmation, coupling the computing device to the network of existing endpoints;
• testing the integration of the ancillary endpoints to the network of existing endpoints;
• terminating the programming session;
• and
• upon successful testing, coupling the ancillary endpoints to the network of existing endpoints via the local area network.