Zero Configuration Networking

Zero configuration networking (zeroconf) is a set of techniques that automatically creates a usable Internet Protocol (IP) network without manual operator intervention or special configuration servers.

Zero configuration networking allows devices such as computers and printers to connect to a network automatically. Without zeroconf, a network administrator must set up services, such as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Domain Name System (DNS), or configure each computer's network settings manually, which may be difficult and time-consuming.

Zeroconf is built on three core technologies:

• Assignment of numeric network addresses for networked devices
• Automatic resolution and distribution of computer hostnames
• Automatic location of network services, such as printing devices