While the question "What is DHCP bootstrap?" is not fully defined, it seems to refer to the initial configuration process where a device acquires its IP address and other network settings using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). Because DHCP evolved from BootP(Bootstrap Protocol), understanding that relationship is helpful.
DHCP bootstrap, therefore, can be understood as the process a network device undergoes to obtain its initial network configuration from a DHCP server. This process is critical for allowing devices to communicate on the network. According to the provided reference, BootP and DHCP are both protocols used to assign IP addresses, with DHCP being the "Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol".
Here’s a breakdown of the DHCP bootstrap process:
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Discovery: The device broadcasts a DHCP Discover message to find available DHCP servers on the network.
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Offer: DHCP servers that receive the Discover message respond with a DHCP Offer message, proposing an IP address and other configuration parameters.
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Request: The device selects one of the offered configurations (typically the first one received) and sends a DHCP Request message to the chosen server, accepting the offer.
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Acknowledgment: The DHCP server confirms the assignment by sending a DHCP Acknowledgment (ACK) message to the device, completing the bootstrap process.
In short, DHCP bootstrap refers to the initial exchange of messages between a client and a DHCP server to obtain network configuration information. This process enables the device to start communicating effectively on the network.
