A configuration server maintains configuration information associated with a given host computer. Thus, the configuration information is maintained at a remote location with respect to the given host computer. During operation, the configuration server may receive a signal to modify the configuration information associated with the given host computer. In response to modifying the configuration information, the configuration server generates a command to terminate a communication link through which the given host computer communicates to access the network. Termination of the communication link prompts the given host computer to initiate further communications to enable the given host computer to again access the network based on use of the modified configuration information. For example, termination of the communication link may cause the given host computer to retrieve configuration information such as a new IP address to access the network.