What is BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol)? - Definition from Whatis.com

Definition

BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol)

BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol) is a protocol that lets a network user be automatically configured (receive an IP address) and have an operating system booted (initiated) without user involvement. The BOOTP server, managed by a network administrator, automatically assigns the IP address from a pool of addresses for a certain duration of time.

BOOTP is the basis for a more advanced network manager protocol, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

Contributor(s): Joe Brown
This was last updated in August 2006

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