RFC 951

Bootstrap Protocol, September 1985

File formats:
icon for text file icon for PDF icon for HTML
Status:
DRAFT STANDARD
Updated by:
RFC 1395, RFC 1497, RFC 1532, RFC 1542, RFC 5494
Authors:
W.J. Croft
J. Gilmore
Stream:
[Legacy]

Cite this RFC: TXT  |  XML  |   BibTeX

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.17487/RFC0951

Discuss this RFC: Send questions or comments to the mailing list iesg@ietf.org

Other actions: View Errata  |  Submit Errata  |  Find IPR Disclosures from the IETF  |  View History of RFC 951


Abstract

This RFC describes an IP/UDP bootstrap protocol (BOOTP) which allows a diskless client machine to discover its own IP address, the address of a server host, and the name of a file to be loaded into memory and executed. The bootstrap operation can be thought of as consisting of TWO PHASES. This RFC describes the first phase, which could be labeled `address determination and bootfile selection'. After this address and filename information is obtained, control passes to the second phase of the bootstrap where a file transfer occurs. The file transfer will typically use the TFTP protocol, since it is intended that both phases reside in PROM on the client. However BOOTP could also work with other protocols such as SFTP or FTP. This RFC suggests a proposed protocol for the ARPA-Internet community, and requests discussion and suggestions for improvements.


For the definition of Status, see RFC 2026.

For the definition of Stream, see RFC 8729.




Advanced Search