RFC 1532 (rfc1532) - Page 1 of 22

Clarifications and Extensions for the Bootstrap Protocol

Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Next >
Network Working Group                                           W. Wimer
Request for Comments: 1532                    Carnegie Mellon University
Updates: 951                                                October 1993
Category: Standards Track


        Clarifications and Extensions for the Bootstrap Protocol

Status of this Memo

   This RFC specifies an Internet standards track protocol for the
   Internet community, and requests discussion and suggestions for
   improvements.  Please refer to the current edition of the "Internet
   Official Protocol Standards" for the standardization state and status
   of this protocol.  Distribution of this memo is unlimited.

Abstract

   Some aspects of the BOOTP protocol were rather loosely defined in its
   original specification.  In particular, only a general description
   was provided for the behavior of "BOOTP relay agents" (originally
   called BOOTP forwarding agents").  The client behavior description
   also suffered in certain ways.  This memo attempts to clarify and
   strengthen the specification in these areas.

   In addition, new issues have arisen since the original specification
   was written.  This memo also attempts to address some of these.

Table of Contents

   1. Introduction.................................................  2
   1.1 Requirements................................................  2
   1.2 Terminology.................................................  3
   1.3 Data Transmission Order.....................................  4
   2. General Issues...............................................  5
   2.1 General BOOTP Processing....................................  5
   2.2 Definition of the 'flags' Field.............................  5
   2.3 Bit Ordering of Hardware Addresses..........................  7
   2.4 BOOTP Over IEEE 802.5 Token Ring Networks...................  8
   3. BOOTP Client Behavior........................................  9
   3.1 Client use of the 'flags' field.............................  9
   3.1.1 The BROADCAST flag........................................  9
   3.1.2 The remainder of the 'flags' field........................  9
   3.2 Definition of the 'secs' field..............................  9
   3.3 Use of the 'ciaddr' and 'yiaddr' fields..................... 10
   3.4 Interpretation of the 'giaddr' field........................ 11
   3.5 Vendor information "magic cookie"........................... 12
   4. BOOTP Relay Agents........................................... 13



Wimer
Next >