DHCP/BOOTP
40 IOLAN DS1/TS2 User’s Guide, Version 3.4
DHCP/BOOTP
Overview
Several IOLAN parameters can be configured through a DHCP/BOOTP server during the IOLAN
bootup. This is particularly useful for configuring multiple IOLANs.
Not all configuration parameters are supported in the DHCP/BOOTP configuration (see
DHCP/BOOTP Parameters on page 41 for supported configuration parameters), so you will need to
use another configuration method, such as DeviceManager, WebManager or CLI, to complete the
configuration.
Unique Features
DHCP/BOOTP supports the following unique features:
zDHCP/BOOTP can supply the IOLAN’s IP address.
zThe DHCP/BOOTP server can configure certain server and user configuration parameters when
the IOLAN is booted.
zThe DHCP/BOOTP server can auto-configure the IOLAN with basic setup information (IP
address, subnet/prefix bits, etc.).
zThe DHCP/BOOTP server can download a new version of firmware when the IOLAN is
rebooted.
zThe DHCP/BOOTP server can download a full configuration file when the IOLAN is rebooted.

Connecting to the IOLAN Using DHCP/BOOTP

The IOLAN will automatically request an IP address from the DCHP/BOOTP server when the
Obtain IP address automatically using DHCP/BOOTP parameter is enabled. To enable the Obtain
IP address automatically using DHCP/BOOTP parameter, follow the directions in Using a Direct
Serial Connection to Enable BOOTP/DHCP on page 48.

Using DHCP/BOOTP

To use DHCP/BOOTP, edit the bootp file with IOLAN configuration parameters. You can use
DHCP/BOOTP to perform the following actions on a single or multiple IOLANs on bootup:
zauto-configure with minimal information; for example, only an IP address
zauto-configure with basic setup information (IP address, subnet/prefix bits, etc.)
zdownload a new version of firmware
zdownload a full configuration file
DHCP/BOOTP is particularly useful for multiple installations: you can do all the IOLANs’
configuration in one DHCP/BOOTP file, rather than configure each IOLAN manually. Another
advantage of DHCP/BOOTP is that you can connect the IOLAN to the network, turn on its power
and let autoconfiguration take place. All the configuration is carried out for you during the
DHCP/BOOTP process.