Difference between BOOTP and DHCP

The BOOTP and DHCP protocols are utilized to retrieve the host's IP address and the startup information. Both protocols work differently in many ways, and the DHCP protocol is a more advanced variant of the BOOTP protocol. The primary distinction between BOOTP and DHCP is that BOOTP protocol supports static IP address configuration while DHCP protocol supports dynamic IP address configuration. It implies that DHCP automatically allocates and gets IP addresses from computer systems connected to the internet and also contains some extra features.

In this article, you will learn about the difference between BOOTP and DHCP. But before discussing the differences, you must know about BOOTP and DHCP with their advantages and disadvantages.

What is BOOTP?

BOOTP is an abbreviation for "Bootstrap Protocol". It is a networking protocol that enables a configuration server to automatically assign an IP address to network systems in IP networks. The BOOTP was originally defined for the first time in RFC 951.

When a network-connected system boots up, its IP stack transmits BOOTP network signals, which request an IP address. When a BOOTP server gets a request, it allocates an IP address from a pool of addresses specified by an administrator.

The BOOTP protocol is utilized with User Datagram Protocol as the transport protocol, the (DHCP) server accepts client requests on port 67, and the client receives server responses on port 68. BOOTP only supports IPv4 networks.

When a client requests the IP address of the BOOTP server, the server employs a table that maps the physical address to the IP address. It doesn't support mobile devices and only works properly when the mapping between physical and IP addresses is fixed and static in a table. It utilizes a limited broadcast address (255.255.255.255).

Features of BOOTP

There are various features of BOOTP. Some features of BOOTP are as follows:

1. The Bootstrap Protocol (BOOTP) is a common protocol that assigns a unique IP address to every participant in a network connection as soon as it connects to the network for identification and authentication. It allows the server to process data transfers and connection requests more quickly.
2. BOOTP sends and receives requests from various network-connected participants and handles their responses using a combination of DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol).
3. BOOTP employs a one-of-a-kind IP address technique to assign a fully distinct IP address to each system on the network in a fraction of a second.
4. The server and client only require an IP address and a gateway address to connect successfully in a BOOTP connection. The server and client often share the same LAN in a BOOTP network, and the routers that are utilized in the network must support BOOTP bridging.
5. The BOOTP network is a good example of a TCP/IP network. When a system on the network requests the server for a specific request, BOOTP utilizes its unique IP address to resolve it swiftly.
6. It reduces the connection time that it takes for the server and client to connect. Even with limited information, it begins the process of obtaining and updating the source code.

What is DHCP?

DHCP is an abbreviation for "Dynamic host configuration protocol". It is a network administration protocol for IP networks that utilize client-server architecture to allocate the IP addresses and other communication settings to networked devices.

It is a client and server protocol that automatically allocates an IP address and configuration data to an IP host like the default gateway and subnet mask. When utilizing the DHCP protocol, the server utilizes port number 67, and the client utilizes port number 68. When a computer system is linked from a different location on the network, the DHCP protocol enables a network administrator to monitor and distribute IP addresses from a centralized location and quickly transmits a new IP address.

This technique removes the requirement to configure network devices by integrating two network components. First is a centrally deployed network DHCP server; second is client models of the protocol stack on each computer system. When a client links to the network for the first time, it uses the DHCP protocol to request a group of parameters from the server.

It may be utilized on many networks, like large university networks, small home networks, and local internet service provider networks. Many routers and domestic gateways have some DHCP server capabilities. Most domestic network routers are allocated a specific IP address within the ISP network. A DHCP server provides a local IP address to every system on a local network system. DHCP is more flexible than BOOTP and provides backward compatibility, which implies it may communicate with BOOTP clients.

Advantages and Disadvantages of DHCP

There are various advantages and disadvantages of DHCP. Some advantages and disadvantages of DHCP are as follows:

Advantages

1. It supports different scopes like super scope, multicast scope, etc.
2. The DHCP network may easily add new users.
3. It is simple to set up and automatically assigns IP addresses to request clients. As a result, the time needed to configure IP addresses manually could be reduced.
4. It is highly beneficial to mobile users because the new network receives proper configuration parameters automatically.
5. There is no additional cost needed for the implementation.

Disadvantages

1. As the DHCP server lacks a secure mechanism for client authentication, it may get unauthorized access to IP addresses by submitting credentials like client identifiers from other DHCP clients.
2. In networks with only a single configured DHCP server, it could be a single cause of failure.
3. In the absence of a DHCP server, the user cannot connect to the network.
4. The system name does not change when a new IP address is allocated to the system.
5. The systems must be able to support DHCP configurations. If the network's DHCP server fails, the connected system will likewise fail.

Key differences between BOOTP and DHCP

Here, you will learn the various key differences between BOOTP and DHCP. Various differences between BOOTP and DHCP are as follows:

1. The BOOTP protocol is a static protocol allowing users to do manual configuration. In contrast, the DHCP is a dynamic protocol that offers manual, dynamic, and automatic IP address configuration.
2. The BOOTP protocol is utilized to provide data to diskless computer systems and workstations. On the other hand, the DHCP protocol is utilized to forward and store the required information on the needed disks.
3. The DHCP may manage mobile devices. In contrast, the BOOTP protocol may only function with stationary connections and is unable to configure or retrieve data from mobile devices.
4. The DHCP protocol is utilized to provide IP addresses to the systems. In contrast, the BOOTP protocol is typically utilized to configure and boot diskless computer systems or thin clients.
5. In DHCP protocol, the lease time is 1 day for Cisco routers and 8 days for Microsoft. In contrast, the lease period of the BOOTP protocol is 30 days.
6. DHCP prevents the chances of errors because of the automatic configuration. On the other hand, the BOOTP protocol may cause errors because of the manual configuration.
7. The DHCP protocol may automatically rebind or renew their leases. In contrast, the BOOTP protocol needs a system restart to rebind or renew the leases.

Head-to-head comparison between BOOTP and DHCP

Here, you will learn the head-to-head comparisons between BOOTP and DHCP. The main differences between BOOTP and DHCP are as follows:

Conclusion

In summary, BOOTP and DHCP protocols are utilized by a host to access or configure IP parameters from the server. The DHCP protocol is an improved version of the BOOTP protocol. In the BOOTP protocol, these processes occur during the host's boot time. The DHCP protocol is popular among ISPs because it permits a host to receive a temporary IP address, whereas it does not happen in the BOOTP protocol. DHCP gives more detailed information than BOOTP protocol and is more efficient.