Method and apparatus for identifying a node for data communications using its geographical location

The present invention overcomes drawbacks with on-site, manual configuration of IP addresses for network nodes (like newly-installed base stations) with a method to automatically assign an identifier like a packet data address to a new node. In general, the automatic assignment of such an identifier to a network entity, node, or host includes two steps. First, an initial message is transmitted by the entity which specifies or indicates in some way geographical location information for the entity. Second, using the geographical location information in that message, an identifier is assigned and provided to that entity. In other words, a relationship is established between the geographical location of an entity identifier and its associated identifier. The geographical location information uniquely identifies the entity in the automatic identifier assignment process.