**Hello, I am an expert in computer networking.** **Today, I will explain the difference between BOOTP and DHCP.**

BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol) and **DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)** are both network protocols that are used to **automatically configure hosts with the IP address and other networking information they need to connect to a network**.

**However, there are some key differences between the two protocols.**

BOOTP is a simpler protocol than DHCP, and it does not offer as many features. BOOTP is a stateless protocol, which means that it does not keep track of the IP addresses that it has assigned to hosts. This can make it difficult to manage BOOTP networks, especially if there are a large number of hosts.

DHCP is a stateful protocol. This means that it keeps track of the IP addresses that it has assigned to hosts. This makes it easier to manage DHCP networks, and it also allows DHCP to provide additional features, such as dynamic IP address assignment and failover support.

**Another key difference between BOOTP and DHCP is the way that they assign IP addresses to hosts.** BOOTP uses a broadcast mechanism to assign IP addresses. This means that all hosts on the network receive the same IP address offer. The host that responds first to the offer is the one that is assigned the IP address.

DHCP uses a unicast mechanism to assign IP addresses. This means that each host receives a unique IP address offer. This is a more efficient way to assign IP addresses, and it also reduces the risk of IP address conflicts.

**Finally, BOOTP is a legacy protocol that is no longer widely used.** Most networks now use DHCP to configure hosts with IP addresses and other networking information.

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DHCP/Bootp is used to download configuration data from a DHCP or Bootp server respectively to the Hub. Bootp: -- A Bootp server requires some configuration. It allows a device to obtain its configuration information, such as the IP Address and Subnet Mask, in one message, reducing the demand on the network.read more >>