<p>In a network system, network apparatuses are configured to pass configuration messages between each other. Each apparatus establishes and maintains a table listing configuration information for each apparatus in the system. When two devices have the same configuration information a user interface detects this condition and provides for user selection of an instance of the apparatus to distinguish it from other apparatuses of the same type, in the system. Similarly, a user interface provides for a user to associate apparatuses of the network with a group of apparatuses, to establish a group of apparatuses that contribute toward a common goal and to permit more than one group of apparatuses to use the network to communicate with other apparatus in the same group.</p>
