we connect some embedded devices in a network. What i am looking for now, is a way to find the devices IP and identify them. We work with Windows PC´s and i am about to write a C# tool that should do this.

1. I thought about send a udp broadcast and in the ack i.e. is the device´s ip, which would mean the device needs a daemon runnig to assign an ip itself.

2. Running a service (like a printer) on the device, and on the PC just lookup for the service.
   I read about some things like apipa, zeroconf, ipv4 local link, bonjour, dns-sd, mdns, bonjour; They can automatically assign ip´s and publish services in a network.

My Question is, can someone recommend me what would be good for my task? -The protocol or Service should be low on ressource (memory/cpu usage) use.
-Are there some standard protocolls to use?
-Is DNS a good idea or would it be to ressource consumpting just for finding a device´s IP?
-Should also work when no dhcp servers are around.

edit: To clarify a bit: The IP configuration is automatic. The problem to focus is how to tell the PC which IP in the network (or a direct connection in this vase there would only be one) belongs to the device (identity).