The packet-based communications network auto-configuration of local network addresses

The invention relates to a packet-based communications network with a data link layer and a network layer, especially such a vehicle electrical system, wherein locally managed network addresses, in particular Media Access Control (MAC) addresses are used for the data link layer. Various aspects of the invention relate in addition to such a communication network, in particular an address administration device, a subscriber and a packet switch apparatus therefor and a vehicle with such a communication network. A participant can be added to the communications network, even if the local link layer address is not yet known. This is assigned by the address administration device to a specific request message and targeted communication based on a prior connection information, which may be days in particular, a network layer address of the subscriber or a Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN) to the requesting participant.