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From: set@calvin
Newsgroups: comp.protocols.tcp-ip
Subject: BOOTP through gateways
Message-ID: <806@abvax.UUCP>
Date: 27 Jul 89 12:38:32 GMT
Sender: news@abvax.UUCP
Reply-To: set@calvin ()
Distribution: na
Organization: Allen-Bradley Company, Inc.; Industrial Computer Division; Highland Hts. OH
Lines: 29


I have a question regarding using the BOOTP protocol through gateways.  I'm
working on a "factory-floor" device which uses BOOTP and TFTP to load itself
much like a diskless workstation.  Currently I use 255.255.255.255 as the
IP destination address for the BOOTP request, as required by the spec.
255.255.255.255 will not be passed-through by any gateways, so booting from
a server not on the local wire requires cooperation by a BOOTP-knowledgeable
gateway.  So here's my questions:

1. Is booting through a gateway a typical or useful capability?  I have little
   (ok, zero) network management experience, but if the feature isn't that
   useful, then I'm done now!

2. How common is it for a gateway to provide BOOTP support?  If typical gateways
   do not support BOOTP, I guess I'll need to implement a "proxy".  Are there
   any public domain "proxy" programs?  (I hate to reinvent)

3. Instead of gateway support or a "proxy", would it be desireable for the
   device to perform an expanding search?  For instance, uses 255.255.255.255
   to search the local wire.  If no response, use ICMP to get the subnet mask
   and broadcast to the local subnet.  If still no response, broadcast to the
   entire local net.  (too much broadcast traffic?)

I'd appreciate any comments you might have.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scott Townsend			   ...!{cwjcc,decvax,pyramid,uunet}!abvax!set
Polymath Corporation, currently working for (but not representing)
Allen-Bradley Company 747 Alpha Dr. Highland Hts. OH 44143 USA (216) 646-5233