Reconfigurable computer networks

A computer network is configured to allow addition, deletion and movement of networked objects within the network, which includes a configurable router and a plurality of networked objects, each located at a network node in the network. Configuration of the network includes the steps of: (a) providing a point-to-point link between the configurable router and each network node; (b) assigning a point-to-point link identifier to each of the point-to-point links; (c) obtaining for each networked object a link layer identifier; (d) receiving at the configurable router communications from the networked objects, the source of each communication being determinable by reference to an identifier pair consisting of a point-to-point link identifier and a link layer identifier associated with the communication; (e) receiving at the configurable router communications intended for individual networked objects, the destination for each communication being determinable by reference to an identifier pair consisting of a point-to-point link identifier and a link layer identifier obtained by translating a network address associated with the communication; and (f) detecting the addition or deletion of a networked object from the network, or the movement of a networked object from one point-to-point link to another by detecting at the configurable router discrepancies between identifier pairs associated with current communications and identifier pairs associated with previous communications, and/or by detecting non-receipt of communications.