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Bootstrap Protocol

 
Computer Desktop Encyclopedia: BOOTP
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(BOOTstrap Protocol) A TCP/IP protocol used by a diskless workstation or network computer (NC) to obtain its IP address and other network information such as server address and default gateway. Upon startup, the client station sends out a BOOTP request in a UDP packet to the BOOTP server, which returns the required information. Unlike RARP, which uses only the layer 2 (Ethernet) frame for transport, the BOOTP request and response use an IP broadcast function that can send messages before a specific IP address is known. See RARP.

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In computer networking, the Bootstrap Protocol, or BOOTP, is a network protocol used by a network client to obtain an IP address from a configuration server. The BOOTP protocol was originally defined in RFC 951.

BOOTP is usually used during the bootstrap process when a computer is starting up. A BOOTP configuration server assigns an IP address to each client from a pool of addresses. BOOTP uses the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) as a transport on IPv4 networks only.

Historically, BOOTP has also been used for Unix-like diskless workstations to obtain the network location of their boot image in addition to an IP address, and also by enterprises to roll out a pre-configured client (e.g., Windows) installation to newly installed PCs.

Originally requiring the use of a boot floppy disk to establish the initial network connection, manufactures of network cards later embedded the protocol in the BIOS of the interface cards as well as system boards with on-board network adapters, thus allowing direct network booting.

Recently, users with an interest in diskless stand-alone media center PCs have shown new interest in this method of booting a Windows operating system.[1]

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a more advanced protocol for the same purpose and has superseded the use of BOOTP. Most DHCP servers also offer BOOTP support.

References

  1. ^ Personal Computer World, Feb 2005, pg 156 'Putting the Boot in'

See also

External links


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