A multiple node network includes a plurality of terminal nodes. A
management node at least initially manages the terminal nodes. A bus
connects the respective terminal nodes and the management node to one
another. The respective terminal nodes and the management node communicate
with one another using the bus. The management node requests
identification codes from each terminal node. Each terminal node responds
with an individual identification code and then receives a physical
address from the management node to establish communication. When a fault
in the management node is detected while a terminal node is trying to
enter communication, the terminal node assigns an arbitrary address to
establish communication if the arbitrary address is not identical to any
other terminal node address or after a predetermined amount of time has
elapsed.
