1. A network configuration entity comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing an NCE list, said NCE list comprising an indication of each device in the network that may operate as said network configuration entity, an SCC list, said SCC list comprising an indication of each device allowed to participate in said secure network, a DCC list, said DCC list associated with said one or more rules for interaction between and among devices and comprising definitions that logically bind a port on the network configuration entity, to one or more other ports resident in the secure network, and, a MAC list, said MAC list comprising an indication of network endpoints from which management access is acceptable.