Use the IP information to write a simple shell script that will `scp` the file to the boxes (yes this means setting up a system account [don't use root!] and keeping logins the same on all the boxes. GUARD THIS PASSWORD WITH YOUR LIFE). Be sure to change the system box passwords regularly and use a STRONG PASSWORD. There may be a better way, but this is all I can come up with right now.
Do not use passwords. As a matter of fact, disable logins for this account entirely. "passwd -l username" will lock the account, or you can use "*" as a password which effectively disables the password as well.
Instead, use private/public keys to scp. This is not interactive and there is no prompting required, which is quicker and cleaner. It is also more secure, in that keys are nearly impossible to guess. Then you can keep the private key on the central box (and guard *that* with your life!) and put the public keys on all the other boxes in the ~username/.ssh/authorized_keys file with no risk whatsoever.
Note that I think you need to do this without assigning a passphrase to the private key, which in theory reduces the security provided *IF* you lose the private key. Of couse, that's the same as losing the password so you're no worse off... and you can quickly and easily change the public key on all the other boxes if you feel the private one is compromised. Or you could quickly and easily change the public/private key once a month if desired... lots of things you can do.
-- Rodolfo J. Paiz rpaiz@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx http://www.simpaticus.com
