| 摘要 |
A router 1 for a local network 24 is arranged to configure data processing devices 2 connected to the network 24 to operate predetermined network-based functions, such as parental control or troubleshooting functions. The router 1 identifies a data processing device 2 when it attempts connection to a wide area network 25 via the router 1 and determines, from characteristics of the data processing device 2 and stored data 141, 143 relating to devices that have previously connected in this way, whether the data processing device requires such configuration. The stored data 141, 143, may identify devices that have previously connected to the router 1 by the same or a different interface as not requiring reconfiguration unless it is recorded (142) that a upgrade to the service has been made since the most recent reconfiguration. Devices not suitable for operating the network based services (e.g passive monitors with no user interface), can also be identified as not requiring the configuration process. If the data processing device requires configuration, a packet forwarding system 15 redirects the current communications data session between the data processing device 2 and the external network 25 to an installation application 16, which interacts with a network based portal 20 to install the network-based functions, before restoring the requested session. |
