Using bootp server versus a boot helper server

[SDS FDX]

I have a three fold question for anyone who can offer any help?

On a network with many different switches and subnets, is it a good idea to use an ignite server also as a bootp server? I am thinking about configuring the switches on each subnet, to route all bootp request to my ignite server.

If I route all bootp requests to my bootp/ignite server, will that cover the PXE and DHCP boot requests as well, which is used by intel-based servers such as linux? OR Are DHCP and bootp requests one in the same?

When configuring the ignite server as a bootp server, will I be able to only use the /etc/bootptab to satisfy PXE boot requests (intel-based), DHCP requests, and bootp requests (PA-Risc)? OR do I have to use the /etc/dhcptab file?

[Sivakumar TS]

Dear Michael,

I feel you have to configure BOTH in the server, since PA servers use bootpd ( UDP 1067 & 1068 ), wheras IA uses DHCP. having bootptab alone wont serve the DHCP requests.

With Regards,

Siva.

[SDS FDX]

Thanks Siva! So I'm guessing the DHCP requests and the bootp requests AREN'T one in the same. They are two seperate requests?

[SDS FDX]

I was just reading the Ignite Administration Guide, and it suggested that the /etc/bootptab file can be used as a alternative to DHCP. It reads "Because the Bootstrap Protocol (BOOTP) is a subset of the DHCP protocol, the clients's request for a DHCP server will be satisfied with the BOOTP response." I'm assuming the only difference between the two will be that the /etc/dhcptab file will be used for anonymous boot clients, and the /etc/bootptab file will be used for know clients. Is this correct?