In an Internet Protocol (IP) based network having a distributed end devices that receive their respective IP routing and device specific configuration information from a central location using dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) and other related protocols, bootless activation enables the network operator to dynamically control and automatically switch an end device on an individual or group basis from one peer IP network to another peer IP network without requiring an individual user to manually reboot or reset the respective distributed end device. Examples of IP networks include broadband networks such as cable modem, fiber-based and digital subscriber line (DSL) network; wireless IP based networks; and IP based metropolitan networks; and local area networks and multiple site enterprise networks.