Auto-configuration is the automatic configuration of devices without manual intervention, without any need for software configuration programs or jumpers. Ideally, auto-configuring devices should just "plug and play". Autoconfiguration has been made common because of the low cost of microprocessors and other embedded controller devices.
Configurations may be stored in NVRAM, loaded by a host processor, or negotiated at system initialization time. In some cases, hot pluggable devices may be able to renegotiate their configuration.
Example of auto-configuring devices:
Example of auto-configuring devices and protocols:
See also:
References
Auto-configuration Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA