RFC 2132 (rfc2132) - Page 3 of 34

DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions

RFC 2132        DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions      March 1997


1.1 Requirements

   Throughout this document, the words that are used to define the
   significance of particular requirements are capitalized.  These words
   are:

      o "MUST"

       This word or the adjective "REQUIRED" means that the item is an
       absolute requirement of this specification.

      o "MUST NOT"

       This phrase means that the item is an absolute prohibition of
       this specification.

      o "SHOULD"

       This word or the adjective "RECOMMENDED" means that there may
       exist valid reasons in particular circumstances to ignore this
       item, but the full implications should be understood and the case
       carefully weighed before choosing a different course.

      o "SHOULD NOT"

       This phrase means that there may exist valid reasons in
       particular circumstances when the listed behavior is acceptable
       or even useful, but the full implications should be understood
       and the case carefully weighed before implementing any behavior
       described with this label.

      o "MAY"

       This word or the adjective "OPTIONAL" means that this item is
       truly optional.  One vendor may choose to include the item
       because a particular marketplace requires it or because it
       enhances the product, for example; another vendor may omit the
       same item.

1.2 Terminology

   This document uses the following terms:

      o "DHCP client"

       A DHCP client or "client" is an Internet host using DHCP to
       obtain configuration parameters such as a network address.




Alexander & Droms           Standards Track