zeroconf is an implementation of IPv4 link-local addresses (RFC3927) which can be used for ad-hoc networks. Addresses are allocated from the 169.254.0.0/16 range semi-randomly. . That means making it possible to take two laptop computers, and connect them with a crossover Ethernet cable, and have them communicate usefully using IP, without needing a man in a white lab coat to set it all up for you. (from www.zeroconf.org)
