what is bootp

BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol) is a computer networking protocol used in Internet Protocol networks to automatically assign an IP address to network devices from a configuration server. BOOTP was originally defined in RFC 951 published in 1985. While some parts of BOOTP have been effectively superseded by the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which adds the feature of leases, parts of BOOTP are still used to provide service to the DHCP protocol. DHCP servers also provide the legacy BOOTP functionality. BOOTP is executed using User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and is the basis for DHCP. DHCP servers are used to receive client requests. BOOTP provides a dynamic method for associating workstations with servers and assigning workstation IP addresses. Historically, BOOTP has also been used for Unix-like diskless workstations to obtain the network location of their boot image, in addition to the IP address assignment.