one embodiment of the present invention provides a system for looking up location - specific configuration information for a network node or a subnet . during system operation , a network node creates a query message containing a key that comprises an internet protocol prefix and a string , wherein the ip prefix identifies the network node or the subnet , and the string specifies the type of configuration information . the network node then sends the query message to a name server , which is part of a distributed system that provides a global naming service , wherein the name server additionally stores configuration information . finally , the network node receives a response message from the name server , wherein the response message contains the requested configuration information .