er, the operator may have systems in place to discover this information automatically. DOCSIS specifications define an SNMP trap command that is designed to capture this information automatically. Once this information is passed on to policy servers that manage IP addresses, the network will authenticate the PC and modem and assign an IP address. Each process is generally automated. But an agent may enter this data into each system individually, which means the process is not integrated. When the cable modem contacts the network, the DHCP server assigns it an IP address and notifies the head-end equipment, or cable modem termination system (CMTS). In the next step, which may have to be triggered manually, another server, often a Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) server, downloads what is called a "Boot P" file to the cable modem for configuration. This file identifies the serving hub, configures the amount of bandwidth the customer can use and determines how many devices are tied to the modem. Finally, the cable modem must be rebooted for the configuration file to be installed. This is done either by physically switching the modem off and on, or in an automated environment with a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) soft reset command. Not all cable modems are equipped with this feature as it is not a required part of the data-over-cable system interface specifications (DOCSIS) standard. DOCSIS, like many standards, is implemented in various ways by different vendors. CableLabs does have a certification process for equipment vendors and many have been certified successfully. Once the cable modem is set up, the CSR is notified to send commands or notices to the proper systems or people within the cable provider to activate billing and any other related services, such as an e-mail box, personal Web space, or even voice services. These processes may be manual, or may support a low level of integration and automation. With their networks built and well equipped to support Internet services, most cable provid