Routerless identification code assignment system and method

A routerless system for uniquely self-identifying a controller functionally connected to a communication network, said system comprising:

• at least two controllers connected to the communication network, each controller having:
• a random code generator configured for generating a resident identification code from a seed value, said seed value is at least a portion of a value selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor reading, a flowrate reading, an analog-to-digital output value of said temperature sensor reading and an analog-to-digital output value of said flowrate reading;
• a transmitter;
• a receiver;
• a volatile memory;
• and
• a random timer configured to be started upon power-up of said each controller,
• wherein upon expiration of said random timer, said transmitter is configured for broadcasting said resident identification code to the communication network without an external request, said receiver is configured for receiving at least one external identification code broadcasted from at least one other controller of said at least two controllers and storing said at least one external identification code in said volatile memory, said at least one external identification code is compared to said resident identification code, if a match exists, said resident identification code is replaced by another resident identification code that is determined using a rule in said controller and if a match does not exist, said resident identification code is broadcasted to said communication network.