Method and apparatus for connecting an information processor to multiple networks

Abstract

A method and apparatus for connecting an information processor to any network to perform communications are disclosed. A setting information indicating network settings to be set for an information processor when performing communications via a network is stored. A route setting packet, which is sent by a network device connected to the network to which the information processor is connected, is acquired to set a route to be used by the network device to communicate with another device. A device identification information for identifying a network device from which the route setting packet was sent is extracted from the route setting packet. The information processor is allowed to perform communications by acquiring the setting information associated with the extracted device identification information, and the information is specifically set for the information processor.

1 . A method for connecting an information processor to a plurality of networks to perform communications, said method comprising: 
 storing a setting information indicating network settings to be set for an information processor when performing communications via a network;    acquiring a route setting packet, which is sent by a network device connected to said network to which said information processor is connected, for setting a route to be used by said network device to communicate with another device;    extracting from said route setting packet a device identification information for identifying a network device from which said route setting packet was sent; and    causing said information processor to perform communication by acquiring said setting information associated with said extracted device identification information and setting said setting information specifically for said information processor.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said method further includes detecting said information processor has been connected to said network.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said detecting further includes detecting a network cable for connecting to a network for communication has been connected to said information processor.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said method further includes acquiring said device identification information from a network device in response to a detection of said network cable.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said method further includes causing a user to select setting information to be set for said information processor from among said stored setting information.  
   
   
       6 . An information processor for connecting to any of multiple networks to perform communications, said information processor comprising: 
 a setting information for storing a setting information indicating network settings to be set for said information processor when performing communications via a network;    an identification information acquisition unit for acquiring a route setting packet, which is sent by a network device connected to said network to which said information processor is connected, for setting a route to be used by said network device to communicate with another device;    means for acquiring a device identification information identifying a network device that has sent said route setting packet, from among the data in said route setting packet; and    a network setting unit for causing the information processor to perform communication by acquiring said setting information associated with said acquired device identification information, from said data stored at said setting information storing step, and setting said setting information for said information processor.    
   
   
       7 . The information processor of  claim 6 , wherein said information processor further includes means for detecting said information processor has been connected to said network.  
   
   
       8 . The information processor of  claim 7 , wherein said detecting means further includes means for detecting a network cable for connecting to a network for communication has been connected to said information processor.  
   
   
       9 . The information processor of  claim 8 , wherein said information processor further includes means for acquiring said device identification information from a network device in response to a detection of said network cable.  
   
   
       10 . The information processor of  claim 6 , wherein said information processor further includes means for causing a user to select setting information to be set for said information processor from among said stored setting information.