Although I knew immediately what the author was saying, I was intrigued by this phrase and did some searching:Automatic network configuration is squarely under the jackboot of Metcalfe's law (utility being equal to the square of the number of devices). A protocol that claims to be a connecting force is, by definition, either universal or useless.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaA jackboot is a type of military boot. Jackboots are heavily associated with fascism, particularly Nazism.
I think this image depicts the author's intent:
From idDream.com
-Tim