A network for communicating a message is established by providing a network that includes topographic network devices and communication links interconnecting the topographic network devices. The topographic network devices each have a physical location represented by a topographic coordinate set. A network address is assigned to each of the topographic network devices. The network address includes the topographic coordinate set of the topographic network device. The topographic coordinate set of the topographic network device is transmitted to those of the topographic network devices directly connected to the topographic network device. The topographic coordinate set of the topographic network device is received and stored at at least one of the topographic network devices directly connected to the topographic network device.