A cable television system automatically locates set-top terminals within the system with respect to the specific equipment through which the set-top terminal communicates with the system controller. This location of the terminal is used to configure the terminal to operate properly within the system and with respect to its physical location and to improve the overall operating efficiency of the system. Identifying the location of terminals can also facilitate better trouble-shooting and characterization of the cable plant by providing logical and physical network topology information. Each terminal's attributes are also registered with the system controller. The controller can also effect automatic configuration of set-top terminals purchased through a retail outlet and installed by consumers.