Pairing is achieved between a host communications device and a peripheral communications device, in order to establish an ad hoc wireless or wired network. A device identification, relating uniquely to the peripheral device, is displayed on the host device. In order to accept the pairing, the user confirms that the device identification displayed on the host device matches that printed on the peripheral device, and then completes the pairing procedure by pressing a key on the peripheral device, or, if Near Field Communication (NFC) techniques are implemented in the devices, by placing the peripheral device in contact with, or sufficiently close to, the host device. Thus, secure pairing is achieved, without requiring a complex user interface on the peripheral device.