7 Network Working Group S. Alexander
8 Request for Comments: 2132 Silicon Graphics, Inc.
9 Obsoletes: 1533 R. Droms
10 Category: Standards Track Bucknell University
13 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions
17 This document specifies an Internet standards track protocol for the
18 Internet community, and requests discussion and suggestions for
19 improvements. Please refer to the current edition of the "Internet
20 Official Protocol Standards" (STD 1) for the standardization state
21 and status of this protocol. Distribution of this memo is unlimited.
25 The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) [1] provides a
26 framework for passing configuration information to hosts on a TCP/IP
27 network. Configuration parameters and other control information are
28 carried in tagged data items that are stored in the 'options' field
29 of the DHCP message. The data items themselves are also called
32 This document specifies the current set of DHCP options. Future
33 options will be specified in separate RFCs. The current list of
34 valid options is also available in ftp://ftp.isi.edu/in-
35 notes/iana/assignments [22].
37 All of the vendor information extensions defined in RFC 1497 [2] may
38 be used as DHCP options. The definitions given in RFC 1497 are
39 included in this document, which supersedes RFC 1497. All of the
40 DHCP options defined in this document, except for those specific to
41 DHCP as defined in section 9, may be used as BOOTP vendor information
46 1. Introduction .............................................. 2
47 2. BOOTP Extension/DHCP Option Field Format .................. 4
48 3. RFC 1497 Vendor Extensions ................................ 5
49 4. IP Layer Parameters per Host .............................. 11
50 5. IP Layer Parameters per Interface ........................ 13
51 6. Link Layer Parameters per Interface ....................... 16
52 7. TCP Parameters ............................................ 17
53 8. Application and Service Parameters ........................ 18
54 9. DHCP Extensions ........................................... 25
58 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 1]
60 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
63 10. Defining new extensions ................................... 31
64 11. Acknowledgements .......................................... 31
65 12. References ................................................ 32
66 13. Security Considerations ................................... 33
67 14. Authors' Addresses ........................................ 34
71 This document specifies options for use with both the Dynamic Host
72 Configuration Protocol and the Bootstrap Protocol.
74 The full description of DHCP packet formats may be found in the DHCP
75 specification document [1], and the full description of BOOTP packet
76 formats may be found in the BOOTP specification document [3]. This
77 document defines the format of information in the last field of DHCP
78 packets ('options') and of BOOTP packets ('vend'). The remainder of
79 this section defines a generalized use of this area for giving
80 information useful to a wide class of machines, operating systems and
81 configurations. Sites with a single DHCP or BOOTP server that is
82 shared among heterogeneous clients may choose to define other, site-
83 specific formats for the use of the 'options' field.
85 Section 2 of this memo describes the formats of DHCP options and
86 BOOTP vendor extensions. Section 3 describes options defined in
87 previous documents for use with BOOTP (all may also be used with
88 DHCP). Sections 4-8 define new options intended for use with both
89 DHCP and BOOTP. Section 9 defines options used only in DHCP.
91 References further describing most of the options defined in sections
92 2-6 can be found in section 12. The use of the options defined in
93 section 9 is described in the DHCP specification [1].
95 Information on registering new options is contained in section 10.
97 This document updates the definition of DHCP/BOOTP options that
98 appears in RFC1533. The classing mechanism has been extended to
99 include vendor classes as described in section 8.4 and 9.13. The new
100 procedure for defining new DHCP/BOOTP options in described in section
101 10. Several new options, including NIS+ domain and servers, Mobile
102 IP home agent, SMTP server, TFTP server and Bootfile server, have
103 been added. Text giving definitions used throughout the document has
104 been added in section 1.1. Text emphasizing the need for uniqueness
105 of client-identifiers has been added to section 9.14.
114 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 2]
116 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
121 Throughout this document, the words that are used to define the
122 significance of particular requirements are capitalized. These words
127 This word or the adjective "REQUIRED" means that the item is an
128 absolute requirement of this specification.
132 This phrase means that the item is an absolute prohibition of
137 This word or the adjective "RECOMMENDED" means that there may
138 exist valid reasons in particular circumstances to ignore this
139 item, but the full implications should be understood and the case
140 carefully weighed before choosing a different course.
144 This phrase means that there may exist valid reasons in
145 particular circumstances when the listed behavior is acceptable
146 or even useful, but the full implications should be understood
147 and the case carefully weighed before implementing any behavior
148 described with this label.
152 This word or the adjective "OPTIONAL" means that this item is
153 truly optional. One vendor may choose to include the item
154 because a particular marketplace requires it or because it
155 enhances the product, for example; another vendor may omit the
160 This document uses the following terms:
164 A DHCP client or "client" is an Internet host using DHCP to
165 obtain configuration parameters such as a network address.
170 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 3]
172 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
177 A DHCP server of "server"is an Internet host that returns
178 configuration parameters to DHCP clients.
182 A binding is a collection of configuration parameters, including
183 at least an IP address, associated with or "bound to" a DHCP
184 client. Bindings are managed by DHCP servers.
186 2. BOOTP Extension/DHCP Option Field Format
189 DHCP options have the same format as the BOOTP 'vendor extensions'
190 defined in RFC 1497 [2]. Options may be fixed length or variable
191 length. All options begin with a tag octet, which uniquely
192 identifies the option. Fixed-length options without data consist of
193 only a tag octet. Only options 0 and 255 are fixed length. All
194 other options are variable-length with a length octet following the
195 tag octet. The value of the length octet does not include the two
196 octets specifying the tag and length. The length octet is followed
197 by "length" octets of data. Options containing NVT ASCII data SHOULD
198 NOT include a trailing NULL; however, the receiver of such options
199 MUST be prepared to delete trailing nulls if they exist. The
200 receiver MUST NOT require that a trailing null be included in the
201 data. In the case of some variable-length options the length field
202 is a constant but must still be specified.
204 Any options defined subsequent to this document MUST contain a length
205 octet even if the length is fixed or zero.
207 All multi-octet quantities are in network byte-order.
209 When used with BOOTP, the first four octets of the vendor information
210 field have been assigned to the "magic cookie" (as suggested in RFC
211 951). This field identifies the mode in which the succeeding data is
212 to be interpreted. The value of the magic cookie is the 4 octet
213 dotted decimal 99.130.83.99 (or hexadecimal number 63.82.53.63) in
216 All of the "vendor extensions" defined in RFC 1497 are also DHCP
219 Option codes 128 to 254 (decimal) are reserved for site-specific
226 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 4]
228 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
231 Except for the options in section 9, all options may be used with
232 either DHCP or BOOTP.
234 Many of these options have their default values specified in other
235 documents. In particular, RFC 1122 [4] specifies default values for
236 most IP and TCP configuration parameters.
238 Many options supply one or more 32-bit IP address. Use of IP
239 addresses rather than fully-qualified Domain Names (FQDNs) may make
240 future renumbering of IP hosts more difficult. Use of these
241 addresses is discouraged at sites that may require renumbering.
243 3. RFC 1497 Vendor Extensions
245 This section lists the vendor extensions as defined in RFC 1497.
246 They are defined here for completeness.
250 The pad option can be used to cause subsequent fields to align on
253 The code for the pad option is 0, and its length is 1 octet.
262 The end option marks the end of valid information in the vendor
263 field. Subsequent octets should be filled with pad options.
265 The code for the end option is 255, and its length is 1 octet.
274 The subnet mask option specifies the client's subnet mask as per RFC
277 If both the subnet mask and the router option are specified in a DHCP
278 reply, the subnet mask option MUST be first.
282 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 5]
284 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
287 The code for the subnet mask option is 1, and its length is 4 octets.
290 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
291 | 1 | 4 | m1 | m2 | m3 | m4 |
292 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
296 The time offset field specifies the offset of the client's subnet in
297 seconds from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The offset is
298 expressed as a two's complement 32-bit integer. A positive offset
299 indicates a location east of the zero meridian and a negative offset
300 indicates a location west of the zero meridian.
302 The code for the time offset option is 2, and its length is 4 octets.
305 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
306 | 2 | 4 | n1 | n2 | n3 | n4 |
307 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
311 The router option specifies a list of IP addresses for routers on the
312 client's subnet. Routers SHOULD be listed in order of preference.
314 The code for the router option is 3. The minimum length for the
315 router option is 4 octets, and the length MUST always be a multiple
318 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
319 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
320 | 3 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
321 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
323 3.6. Time Server Option
325 The time server option specifies a list of RFC 868 [6] time servers
326 available to the client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order of
329 The code for the time server option is 4. The minimum length for
330 this option is 4 octets, and the length MUST always be a multiple of
338 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 6]
340 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
343 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
344 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
345 | 4 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
346 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
348 3.7. Name Server Option
350 The name server option specifies a list of IEN 116 [7] name servers
351 available to the client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order of
354 The code for the name server option is 5. The minimum length for
355 this option is 4 octets, and the length MUST always be a multiple of
358 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
359 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
360 | 5 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
361 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
363 3.8. Domain Name Server Option
365 The domain name server option specifies a list of Domain Name System
366 (STD 13, RFC 1035 [8]) name servers available to the client. Servers
367 SHOULD be listed in order of preference.
369 The code for the domain name server option is 6. The minimum length
370 for this option is 4 octets, and the length MUST always be a multiple
373 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
374 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
375 | 6 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
376 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
378 3.9. Log Server Option
380 The log server option specifies a list of MIT-LCS UDP log servers
381 available to the client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order of
384 The code for the log server option is 7. The minimum length for this
385 option is 4 octets, and the length MUST always be a multiple of 4.
387 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
388 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
389 | 7 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
390 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
394 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 7]
396 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
399 3.10. Cookie Server Option
401 The cookie server option specifies a list of RFC 865 [9] cookie
402 servers available to the client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order
405 The code for the log server option is 8. The minimum length for this
406 option is 4 octets, and the length MUST always be a multiple of 4.
408 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
409 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
410 | 8 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
411 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
413 3.11. LPR Server Option
415 The LPR server option specifies a list of RFC 1179 [10] line printer
416 servers available to the client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order
419 The code for the LPR server option is 9. The minimum length for this
420 option is 4 octets, and the length MUST always be a multiple of 4.
422 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
423 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
424 | 9 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
425 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
427 3.12. Impress Server Option
429 The Impress server option specifies a list of Imagen Impress servers
430 available to the client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order of
433 The code for the Impress server option is 10. The minimum length for
434 this option is 4 octets, and the length MUST always be a multiple of
437 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
438 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
439 | 10 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
440 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
442 3.13. Resource Location Server Option
444 This option specifies a list of RFC 887 [11] Resource Location
445 servers available to the client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order
450 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 8]
452 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
455 The code for this option is 11. The minimum length for this option
456 is 4 octets, and the length MUST always be a multiple of 4.
458 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
459 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
460 | 11 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
461 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
463 3.14. Host Name Option
465 This option specifies the name of the client. The name may or may
466 not be qualified with the local domain name (see section 3.17 for the
467 preferred way to retrieve the domain name). See RFC 1035 for
468 character set restrictions.
470 The code for this option is 12, and its minimum length is 1.
473 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
474 | 12 | n | h1 | h2 | h3 | h4 | h5 | h6 | ...
475 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
477 3.15. Boot File Size Option
479 This option specifies the length in 512-octet blocks of the default
480 boot image for the client. The file length is specified as an
481 unsigned 16-bit integer.
483 The code for this option is 13, and its length is 2.
486 +-----+-----+-----+-----+
488 +-----+-----+-----+-----+
490 3.16. Merit Dump File
492 This option specifies the path-name of a file to which the client's
493 core image should be dumped in the event the client crashes. The
494 path is formatted as a character string consisting of characters from
495 the NVT ASCII character set.
497 The code for this option is 14. Its minimum length is 1.
499 Code Len Dump File Pathname
500 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
501 | 14 | n | n1 | n2 | n3 | n4 | ...
502 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
506 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 9]
508 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
513 This option specifies the domain name that client should use when
514 resolving hostnames via the Domain Name System.
516 The code for this option is 15. Its minimum length is 1.
519 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
520 | 15 | n | d1 | d2 | d3 | d4 | ...
521 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
525 This specifies the IP address of the client's swap server.
527 The code for this option is 16 and its length is 4.
529 Code Len Swap Server Address
530 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
531 | 16 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 |
532 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
536 This option specifies the path-name that contains the client's root
537 disk. The path is formatted as a character string consisting of
538 characters from the NVT ASCII character set.
540 The code for this option is 17. Its minimum length is 1.
542 Code Len Root Disk Pathname
543 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
544 | 17 | n | n1 | n2 | n3 | n4 | ...
545 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
547 3.20. Extensions Path
549 A string to specify a file, retrievable via TFTP, which contains
550 information which can be interpreted in the same way as the 64-octet
551 vendor-extension field within the BOOTP response, with the following
554 - the length of the file is unconstrained;
555 - all references to Tag 18 (i.e., instances of the
556 BOOTP Extensions Path field) within the file are
562 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 10]
564 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
567 The code for this option is 18. Its minimum length is 1.
569 Code Len Extensions Pathname
570 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
571 | 18 | n | n1 | n2 | n3 | n4 | ...
572 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
574 4. IP Layer Parameters per Host
576 This section details the options that affect the operation of the IP
577 layer on a per-host basis.
579 4.1. IP Forwarding Enable/Disable Option
581 This option specifies whether the client should configure its IP
582 layer for packet forwarding. A value of 0 means disable IP
583 forwarding, and a value of 1 means enable IP forwarding.
585 The code for this option is 19, and its length is 1.
592 4.2. Non-Local Source Routing Enable/Disable Option
594 This option specifies whether the client should configure its IP
595 layer to allow forwarding of datagrams with non-local source routes
596 (see Section 3.3.5 of [4] for a discussion of this topic). A value
597 of 0 means disallow forwarding of such datagrams, and a value of 1
598 means allow forwarding.
600 The code for this option is 20, and its length is 1.
607 4.3. Policy Filter Option
609 This option specifies policy filters for non-local source routing.
610 The filters consist of a list of IP addresses and masks which specify
611 destination/mask pairs with which to filter incoming source routes.
613 Any source routed datagram whose next-hop address does not match one
614 of the filters should be discarded by the client.
618 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 11]
620 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
623 See [4] for further information.
625 The code for this option is 21. The minimum length of this option is
626 8, and the length MUST be a multiple of 8.
628 Code Len Address 1 Mask 1
629 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
630 | 21 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | m1 | m2 | m3 | m4 |
631 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
633 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
634 | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | m1 | m2 | m3 | m4 | ...
635 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
637 4.4. Maximum Datagram Reassembly Size
639 This option specifies the maximum size datagram that the client
640 should be prepared to reassemble. The size is specified as a 16-bit
641 unsigned integer. The minimum value legal value is 576.
643 The code for this option is 22, and its length is 2.
646 +-----+-----+-----+-----+
648 +-----+-----+-----+-----+
650 4.5. Default IP Time-to-live
652 This option specifies the default time-to-live that the client should
653 use on outgoing datagrams. The TTL is specified as an octet with a
654 value between 1 and 255.
656 The code for this option is 23, and its length is 1.
663 4.6. Path MTU Aging Timeout Option
665 This option specifies the timeout (in seconds) to use when aging Path
666 MTU values discovered by the mechanism defined in RFC 1191 [12]. The
667 timeout is specified as a 32-bit unsigned integer.
669 The code for this option is 24, and its length is 4.
674 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 12]
676 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
680 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
681 | 24 | 4 | t1 | t2 | t3 | t4 |
682 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
684 4.7. Path MTU Plateau Table Option
686 This option specifies a table of MTU sizes to use when performing
687 Path MTU Discovery as defined in RFC 1191. The table is formatted as
688 a list of 16-bit unsigned integers, ordered from smallest to largest.
689 The minimum MTU value cannot be smaller than 68.
691 The code for this option is 25. Its minimum length is 2, and the
692 length MUST be a multiple of 2.
694 Code Len Size 1 Size 2
695 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
696 | 25 | n | s1 | s2 | s1 | s2 | ...
697 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
699 5. IP Layer Parameters per Interface
701 This section details the options that affect the operation of the IP
702 layer on a per-interface basis. It is expected that a client can
703 issue multiple requests, one per interface, in order to configure
704 interfaces with their specific parameters.
706 5.1. Interface MTU Option
708 This option specifies the MTU to use on this interface. The MTU is
709 specified as a 16-bit unsigned integer. The minimum legal value for
712 The code for this option is 26, and its length is 2.
715 +-----+-----+-----+-----+
717 +-----+-----+-----+-----+
719 5.2. All Subnets are Local Option
721 This option specifies whether or not the client may assume that all
722 subnets of the IP network to which the client is connected use the
723 same MTU as the subnet of that network to which the client is
724 directly connected. A value of 1 indicates that all subnets share
725 the same MTU. A value of 0 means that the client should assume that
726 some subnets of the directly connected network may have smaller MTUs.
730 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 13]
732 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
735 The code for this option is 27, and its length is 1.
742 5.3. Broadcast Address Option
744 This option specifies the broadcast address in use on the client's
745 subnet. Legal values for broadcast addresses are specified in
746 section 3.2.1.3 of [4].
748 The code for this option is 28, and its length is 4.
750 Code Len Broadcast Address
751 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
752 | 28 | 4 | b1 | b2 | b3 | b4 |
753 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
755 5.4. Perform Mask Discovery Option
757 This option specifies whether or not the client should perform subnet
758 mask discovery using ICMP. A value of 0 indicates that the client
759 should not perform mask discovery. A value of 1 means that the
760 client should perform mask discovery.
762 The code for this option is 29, and its length is 1.
769 5.5. Mask Supplier Option
771 This option specifies whether or not the client should respond to
772 subnet mask requests using ICMP. A value of 0 indicates that the
773 client should not respond. A value of 1 means that the client should
776 The code for this option is 30, and its length is 1.
786 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 14]
788 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
791 5.6. Perform Router Discovery Option
793 This option specifies whether or not the client should solicit
794 routers using the Router Discovery mechanism defined in RFC 1256
795 [13]. A value of 0 indicates that the client should not perform
796 router discovery. A value of 1 means that the client should perform
799 The code for this option is 31, and its length is 1.
806 5.7. Router Solicitation Address Option
808 This option specifies the address to which the client should transmit
809 router solicitation requests.
811 The code for this option is 32, and its length is 4.
814 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
815 | 32 | 4 | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 |
816 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
818 5.8. Static Route Option
820 This option specifies a list of static routes that the client should
821 install in its routing cache. If multiple routes to the same
822 destination are specified, they are listed in descending order of
825 The routes consist of a list of IP address pairs. The first address
826 is the destination address, and the second address is the router for
829 The default route (0.0.0.0) is an illegal destination for a static
830 route. See section 3.5 for information about the router option.
832 The code for this option is 33. The minimum length of this option is
833 8, and the length MUST be a multiple of 8.
842 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 15]
844 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
847 Code Len Destination 1 Router 1
848 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
849 | 33 | n | d1 | d2 | d3 | d4 | r1 | r2 | r3 | r4 |
850 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
851 Destination 2 Router 2
852 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
853 | d1 | d2 | d3 | d4 | r1 | r2 | r3 | r4 | ...
854 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
856 6. Link Layer Parameters per Interface
858 This section lists the options that affect the operation of the data
859 link layer on a per-interface basis.
861 6.1. Trailer Encapsulation Option
863 This option specifies whether or not the client should negotiate the
864 use of trailers (RFC 893 [14]) when using the ARP protocol. A value
865 of 0 indicates that the client should not attempt to use trailers. A
866 value of 1 means that the client should attempt to use trailers.
868 The code for this option is 34, and its length is 1.
875 6.2. ARP Cache Timeout Option
877 This option specifies the timeout in seconds for ARP cache entries.
878 The time is specified as a 32-bit unsigned integer.
880 The code for this option is 35, and its length is 4.
883 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
884 | 35 | 4 | t1 | t2 | t3 | t4 |
885 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
887 6.3. Ethernet Encapsulation Option
889 This option specifies whether or not the client should use Ethernet
890 Version 2 (RFC 894 [15]) or IEEE 802.3 (RFC 1042 [16]) encapsulation
891 if the interface is an Ethernet. A value of 0 indicates that the
892 client should use RFC 894 encapsulation. A value of 1 means that the
893 client should use RFC 1042 encapsulation.
898 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 16]
900 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
903 The code for this option is 36, and its length is 1.
912 This section lists the options that affect the operation of the TCP
913 layer on a per-interface basis.
915 7.1. TCP Default TTL Option
917 This option specifies the default TTL that the client should use when
918 sending TCP segments. The value is represented as an 8-bit unsigned
919 integer. The minimum value is 1.
921 The code for this option is 37, and its length is 1.
928 7.2. TCP Keepalive Interval Option
930 This option specifies the interval (in seconds) that the client TCP
931 should wait before sending a keepalive message on a TCP connection.
932 The time is specified as a 32-bit unsigned integer. A value of zero
933 indicates that the client should not generate keepalive messages on
934 connections unless specifically requested by an application.
936 The code for this option is 38, and its length is 4.
939 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
940 | 38 | 4 | t1 | t2 | t3 | t4 |
941 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
943 7.3. TCP Keepalive Garbage Option
945 This option specifies the whether or not the client should send TCP
946 keepalive messages with a octet of garbage for compatibility with
947 older implementations. A value of 0 indicates that a garbage octet
948 should not be sent. A value of 1 indicates that a garbage octet
954 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 17]
956 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
959 The code for this option is 39, and its length is 1.
966 8. Application and Service Parameters
968 This section details some miscellaneous options used to configure
969 miscellaneous applications and services.
971 8.1. Network Information Service Domain Option
973 This option specifies the name of the client's NIS [17] domain. The
974 domain is formatted as a character string consisting of characters
975 from the NVT ASCII character set.
977 The code for this option is 40. Its minimum length is 1.
979 Code Len NIS Domain Name
980 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
981 | 40 | n | n1 | n2 | n3 | n4 | ...
982 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
984 8.2. Network Information Servers Option
986 This option specifies a list of IP addresses indicating NIS servers
987 available to the client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order of
990 The code for this option is 41. Its minimum length is 4, and the
991 length MUST be a multiple of 4.
993 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
994 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
995 | 41 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
996 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
998 8.3. Network Time Protocol Servers Option
1000 This option specifies a list of IP addresses indicating NTP [18]
1001 servers available to the client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order
1004 The code for this option is 42. Its minimum length is 4, and the
1005 length MUST be a multiple of 4.
1010 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 18]
1012 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
1015 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
1016 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1017 | 42 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
1018 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1020 8.4. Vendor Specific Information
1022 This option is used by clients and servers to exchange vendor-
1023 specific information. The information is an opaque object of n
1024 octets, presumably interpreted by vendor-specific code on the clients
1025 and servers. The definition of this information is vendor specific.
1026 The vendor is indicated in the vendor class identifier option.
1027 Servers not equipped to interpret the vendor-specific information
1028 sent by a client MUST ignore it (although it may be reported).
1029 Clients which do not receive desired vendor-specific information
1030 SHOULD make an attempt to operate without it, although they may do so
1031 (and announce they are doing so) in a degraded mode.
1033 If a vendor potentially encodes more than one item of information in
1034 this option, then the vendor SHOULD encode the option using
1035 "Encapsulated vendor-specific options" as described below:
1037 The Encapsulated vendor-specific options field SHOULD be encoded as a
1038 sequence of code/length/value fields of identical syntax to the DHCP
1039 options field with the following exceptions:
1041 1) There SHOULD NOT be a "magic cookie" field in the encapsulated
1042 vendor-specific extensions field.
1044 2) Codes other than 0 or 255 MAY be redefined by the vendor within
1045 the encapsulated vendor-specific extensions field, but SHOULD
1046 conform to the tag-length-value syntax defined in section 2.
1048 3) Code 255 (END), if present, signifies the end of the
1049 encapsulated vendor extensions, not the end of the vendor
1050 extensions field. If no code 255 is present, then the end of
1051 the enclosing vendor-specific information field is taken as the
1052 end of the encapsulated vendor-specific extensions field.
1054 The code for this option is 43 and its minimum length is 1.
1056 Code Len Vendor-specific information
1057 +-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1058 | 43 | n | i1 | i2 | ...
1059 +-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1066 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 19]
1068 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
1071 When encapsulated vendor-specific extensions are used, the
1072 information bytes 1-n have the following format:
1074 Code Len Data item Code Len Data item Code
1075 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
1076 | T1 | n | d1 | d2 | ... | T2 | n | D1 | D2 | ... | ... |
1077 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
1079 8.5. NetBIOS over TCP/IP Name Server Option
1081 The NetBIOS name server (NBNS) option specifies a list of RFC
1082 1001/1002 [19] [20] NBNS name servers listed in order of preference.
1084 The code for this option is 44. The minimum length of the option is
1085 4 octets, and the length must always be a multiple of 4.
1087 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
1088 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+----
1089 | 44 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | b1 | b2 | b3 | b4 | ...
1090 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+----
1092 8.6. NetBIOS over TCP/IP Datagram Distribution Server Option
1094 The NetBIOS datagram distribution server (NBDD) option specifies a
1095 list of RFC 1001/1002 NBDD servers listed in order of preference. The
1096 code for this option is 45. The minimum length of the option is 4
1097 octets, and the length must always be a multiple of 4.
1099 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
1100 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+----
1101 | 45 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | b1 | b2 | b3 | b4 | ...
1102 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+----
1104 8.7. NetBIOS over TCP/IP Node Type Option
1106 The NetBIOS node type option allows NetBIOS over TCP/IP clients which
1107 are configurable to be configured as described in RFC 1001/1002. The
1108 value is specified as a single octet which identifies the client type
1122 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 20]
1124 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
1127 In the above chart, the notation '0x' indicates a number in base-16
1130 The code for this option is 46. The length of this option is always
1134 +-----+-----+-----------+
1135 | 46 | 1 | see above |
1136 +-----+-----+-----------+
1138 8.8. NetBIOS over TCP/IP Scope Option
1140 The NetBIOS scope option specifies the NetBIOS over TCP/IP scope
1141 parameter for the client as specified in RFC 1001/1002. See [19],
1142 [20], and [8] for character-set restrictions.
1144 The code for this option is 47. The minimum length of this option is
1147 Code Len NetBIOS Scope
1148 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+----
1149 | 47 | n | s1 | s2 | s3 | s4 | ...
1150 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+----
1152 8.9. X Window System Font Server Option
1154 This option specifies a list of X Window System [21] Font servers
1155 available to the client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order of
1158 The code for this option is 48. The minimum length of this option is
1159 4 octets, and the length MUST be a multiple of 4.
1161 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
1162 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1163 | 48 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
1164 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1166 8.10. X Window System Display Manager Option
1168 This option specifies a list of IP addresses of systems that are
1169 running the X Window System Display Manager and are available to the
1172 Addresses SHOULD be listed in order of preference.
1178 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 21]
1180 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
1183 The code for the this option is 49. The minimum length of this option
1184 is 4, and the length MUST be a multiple of 4.
1186 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
1188 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1189 | 49 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
1190 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1192 8.11. Network Information Service+ Domain Option
1194 This option specifies the name of the client's NIS+ [17] domain. The
1195 domain is formatted as a character string consisting of characters
1196 from the NVT ASCII character set.
1198 The code for this option is 64. Its minimum length is 1.
1200 Code Len NIS Client Domain Name
1201 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1202 | 64 | n | n1 | n2 | n3 | n4 | ...
1203 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1205 8.12. Network Information Service+ Servers Option
1207 This option specifies a list of IP addresses indicating NIS+ servers
1208 available to the client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order of
1211 The code for this option is 65. Its minimum length is 4, and the
1212 length MUST be a multiple of 4.
1214 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
1215 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1216 | 65 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
1217 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1219 8.13. Mobile IP Home Agent option
1221 This option specifies a list of IP addresses indicating mobile IP
1222 home agents available to the client. Agents SHOULD be listed in
1223 order of preference.
1225 The code for this option is 68. Its minimum length is 0 (indicating
1226 no home agents are available) and the length MUST be a multiple of 4.
1227 It is expected that the usual length will be four octets, containing
1228 a single home agent's address.
1234 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 22]
1236 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
1239 Code Len Home Agent Addresses (zero or more)
1240 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1241 | 68 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | ...
1242 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1244 8.14. Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP) Server Option
1246 The SMTP server option specifies a list of SMTP servers available to
1247 the client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order of preference.
1249 The code for the SMTP server option is 69. The minimum length for
1250 this option is 4 octets, and the length MUST always be a multiple of
1253 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
1254 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1255 | 69 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
1256 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1258 8.15. Post Office Protocol (POP3) Server Option
1260 The POP3 server option specifies a list of POP3 available to the
1261 client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order of preference.
1263 The code for the POP3 server option is 70. The minimum length for
1264 this option is 4 octets, and the length MUST always be a multiple of
1267 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
1268 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1269 | 70 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
1270 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1272 8.16. Network News Transport Protocol (NNTP) Server Option
1274 The NNTP server option specifies a list of NNTP available to the
1275 client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order of preference.
1277 The code for the NNTP server option is 71. The minimum length for
1278 this option is 4 octets, and the length MUST always be a multiple of
1281 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
1282 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1283 | 71 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
1284 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1290 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 23]
1292 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
1295 8.17. Default World Wide Web (WWW) Server Option
1297 The WWW server option specifies a list of WWW available to the
1298 client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order of preference.
1300 The code for the WWW server option is 72. The minimum length for
1301 this option is 4 octets, and the length MUST always be a multiple of
1304 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
1305 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1306 | 72 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
1307 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1309 8.18. Default Finger Server Option
1311 The Finger server option specifies a list of Finger available to the
1312 client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order of preference.
1314 The code for the Finger server option is 73. The minimum length for
1315 this option is 4 octets, and the length MUST always be a multiple of
1318 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
1319 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1320 | 73 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
1321 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1323 8.19. Default Internet Relay Chat (IRC) Server Option
1325 The IRC server option specifies a list of IRC available to the
1326 client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order of preference.
1328 The code for the IRC server option is 74. The minimum length for
1329 this option is 4 octets, and the length MUST always be a multiple of
1332 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
1333 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1334 | 74 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
1335 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1337 8.20. StreetTalk Server Option
1339 The StreetTalk server option specifies a list of StreetTalk servers
1340 available to the client. Servers SHOULD be listed in order of
1346 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 24]
1348 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
1351 The code for the StreetTalk server option is 75. The minimum length
1352 for this option is 4 octets, and the length MUST always be a multiple
1355 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
1356 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1357 | 75 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
1358 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1360 8.21. StreetTalk Directory Assistance (STDA) Server Option
1362 The StreetTalk Directory Assistance (STDA) server option specifies a
1363 list of STDA servers available to the client. Servers SHOULD be
1364 listed in order of preference.
1366 The code for the StreetTalk Directory Assistance server option is 76.
1367 The minimum length for this option is 4 octets, and the length MUST
1368 always be a multiple of 4.
1370 Code Len Address 1 Address 2
1371 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1372 | 76 | n | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 | a1 | a2 | ...
1373 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+--
1377 This section details the options that are specific to DHCP.
1379 9.1. Requested IP Address
1381 This option is used in a client request (DHCPDISCOVER) to allow the
1382 client to request that a particular IP address be assigned.
1384 The code for this option is 50, and its length is 4.
1387 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
1388 | 50 | 4 | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 |
1389 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
1391 9.2. IP Address Lease Time
1393 This option is used in a client request (DHCPDISCOVER or DHCPREQUEST)
1394 to allow the client to request a lease time for the IP address. In a
1395 server reply (DHCPOFFER), a DHCP server uses this option to specify
1396 the lease time it is willing to offer.
1402 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 25]
1404 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
1407 The time is in units of seconds, and is specified as a 32-bit
1410 The code for this option is 51, and its length is 4.
1413 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
1414 | 51 | 4 | t1 | t2 | t3 | t4 |
1415 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
1417 9.3. Option Overload
1419 This option is used to indicate that the DHCP 'sname' or 'file'
1420 fields are being overloaded by using them to carry DHCP options. A
1421 DHCP server inserts this option if the returned parameters will
1422 exceed the usual space allotted for options.
1424 If this option is present, the client interprets the specified
1425 additional fields after it concludes interpretation of the standard
1428 The code for this option is 52, and its length is 1. Legal values
1429 for this option are:
1433 1 the 'file' field is used to hold options
1434 2 the 'sname' field is used to hold options
1435 3 both fields are used to hold options
1442 9.4 TFTP server name
1444 This option is used to identify a TFTP server when the 'sname' field
1445 in the DHCP header has been used for DHCP options.
1447 The code for this option is 66, and its minimum length is 1.
1449 Code Len TFTP server
1450 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1451 | 66 | n | c1 | c2 | c3 | ...
1452 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1458 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 26]
1460 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
1465 This option is used to identify a bootfile when the 'file' field in
1466 the DHCP header has been used for DHCP options.
1468 The code for this option is 67, and its minimum length is 1.
1470 Code Len Bootfile name
1471 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1472 | 67 | n | c1 | c2 | c3 | ...
1473 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1475 9.6. DHCP Message Type
1477 This option is used to convey the type of the DHCP message. The code
1478 for this option is 53, and its length is 1. Legal values for this
1497 9.7. Server Identifier
1499 This option is used in DHCPOFFER and DHCPREQUEST messages, and may
1500 optionally be included in the DHCPACK and DHCPNAK messages. DHCP
1501 servers include this option in the DHCPOFFER in order to allow the
1502 client to distinguish between lease offers. DHCP clients use the
1503 contents of the 'server identifier' field as the destination address
1504 for any DHCP messages unicast to the DHCP server. DHCP clients also
1505 indicate which of several lease offers is being accepted by including
1506 this option in a DHCPREQUEST message.
1508 The identifier is the IP address of the selected server.
1510 The code for this option is 54, and its length is 4.
1514 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 27]
1516 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
1520 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
1521 | 54 | 4 | a1 | a2 | a3 | a4 |
1522 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
1524 9.8. Parameter Request List
1526 This option is used by a DHCP client to request values for specified
1527 configuration parameters. The list of requested parameters is
1528 specified as n octets, where each octet is a valid DHCP option code
1529 as defined in this document.
1531 The client MAY list the options in order of preference. The DHCP
1532 server is not required to return the options in the requested order,
1533 but MUST try to insert the requested options in the order requested
1536 The code for this option is 55. Its minimum length is 1.
1538 Code Len Option Codes
1539 +-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1540 | 55 | n | c1 | c2 | ...
1541 +-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1545 This option is used by a DHCP server to provide an error message to a
1546 DHCP client in a DHCPNAK message in the event of a failure. A client
1547 may use this option in a DHCPDECLINE message to indicate the why the
1548 client declined the offered parameters. The message consists of n
1549 octets of NVT ASCII text, which the client may display on an
1550 available output device.
1552 The code for this option is 56 and its minimum length is 1.
1555 +-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1556 | 56 | n | c1 | c2 | ...
1557 +-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1559 9.10. Maximum DHCP Message Size
1561 This option specifies the maximum length DHCP message that it is
1562 willing to accept. The length is specified as an unsigned 16-bit
1563 integer. A client may use the maximum DHCP message size option in
1564 DHCPDISCOVER or DHCPREQUEST messages, but should not use the option
1565 in DHCPDECLINE messages.
1570 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 28]
1572 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
1575 The code for this option is 57, and its length is 2. The minimum
1576 legal value is 576 octets.
1579 +-----+-----+-----+-----+
1580 | 57 | 2 | l1 | l2 |
1581 +-----+-----+-----+-----+
1583 9.11. Renewal (T1) Time Value
1585 This option specifies the time interval from address assignment until
1586 the client transitions to the RENEWING state.
1588 The value is in units of seconds, and is specified as a 32-bit
1591 The code for this option is 58, and its length is 4.
1593 Code Len T1 Interval
1594 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
1595 | 58 | 4 | t1 | t2 | t3 | t4 |
1596 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
1598 9.12. Rebinding (T2) Time Value
1600 This option specifies the time interval from address assignment until
1601 the client transitions to the REBINDING state.
1603 The value is in units of seconds, and is specified as a 32-bit
1606 The code for this option is 59, and its length is 4.
1608 Code Len T2 Interval
1609 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
1610 | 59 | 4 | t1 | t2 | t3 | t4 |
1611 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
1613 9.13. Vendor class identifier
1615 This option is used by DHCP clients to optionally identify the vendor
1616 type and configuration of a DHCP client. The information is a string
1617 of n octets, interpreted by servers. Vendors may choose to define
1618 specific vendor class identifiers to convey particular configuration
1619 or other identification information about a client. For example, the
1620 identifier may encode the client's hardware configuration. Servers
1621 not equipped to interpret the class-specific information sent by a
1622 client MUST ignore it (although it may be reported). Servers that
1626 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 29]
1628 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
1631 respond SHOULD only use option 43 to return the vendor-specific
1632 information to the client.
1634 The code for this option is 60, and its minimum length is 1.
1636 Code Len Vendor class Identifier
1637 +-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1638 | 60 | n | i1 | i2 | ...
1639 +-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1641 9.14. Client-identifier
1643 This option is used by DHCP clients to specify their unique
1644 identifier. DHCP servers use this value to index their database of
1645 address bindings. This value is expected to be unique for all
1646 clients in an administrative domain.
1648 Identifiers SHOULD be treated as opaque objects by DHCP servers.
1650 The client identifier MAY consist of type-value pairs similar to the
1651 'htype'/'chaddr' fields defined in [3]. For instance, it MAY consist
1652 of a hardware type and hardware address. In this case the type field
1653 SHOULD be one of the ARP hardware types defined in STD2 [22]. A
1654 hardware type of 0 (zero) should be used when the value field
1655 contains an identifier other than a hardware address (e.g. a fully
1656 qualified domain name).
1658 For correct identification of clients, each client's client-
1659 identifier MUST be unique among the client-identifiers used on the
1660 subnet to which the client is attached. Vendors and system
1661 administrators are responsible for choosing client-identifiers that
1662 meet this requirement for uniqueness.
1664 The code for this option is 61, and its minimum length is 2.
1666 Code Len Type Client-Identifier
1667 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1668 | 61 | n | t1 | i1 | i2 | ...
1669 +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---
1682 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 30]
1684 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
1687 10. Defining new extensions
1689 The author of a new DHCP option will follow these steps to obtain
1690 acceptance of the option as a part of the DHCP Internet Standard:
1692 1. The author devises the new option.
1693 2. The author requests a number for the new option from IANA by
1695 Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA)
1696 USC/Information Sciences Institute
1698 Marina del Rey, California 90292-6695
1700 or by email as: iana@iana.org
1702 3. The author documents the new option, using the newly obtained
1703 option number, as an Internet Draft.
1704 4. The author submits the Internet Draft for review through the IETF
1705 standards process as defined in "Internet Official Protocol
1706 Standards" (STD 1). The new option will be submitted for eventual
1707 acceptance as an Internet Standard.
1708 5. The new option progresses through the IETF standards process; the
1709 new option will be reviewed by the Dynamic Host Configuration
1710 Working Group (if that group still exists), or as an Internet
1711 Draft not submitted by an IETF working group.
1712 6. If the new option fails to gain acceptance as an Internet
1713 Standard, the assigned option number will be returned to IANA for
1716 This procedure for defining new extensions will ensure that:
1718 * allocation of new option numbers is coordinated from a single
1720 * new options are reviewed for technical correctness and
1721 appropriateness, and
1722 * documentation for new options is complete and published.
1724 11. Acknowledgements
1726 The author thanks the many (and too numerous to mention!) members of
1727 the DHC WG for their tireless and ongoing efforts in the development
1728 of DHCP and this document.
1730 The efforts of J Allard, Mike Carney, Dave Lapp, Fred Lien and John
1731 Mendonca in organizing DHCP interoperability testing sessions are
1732 gratefully acknowledged.
1738 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 31]
1740 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
1743 The development of this document was supported in part by grants from
1744 the Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI), Bucknell
1745 University and Sun Microsystems.
1749 [1] Droms, R., "Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol", RFC 2131,
1750 Bucknell University, March 1997.
1752 [2] Reynolds, J., "BOOTP Vendor Information Extensions", RFC 1497,
1753 USC/Information Sciences Institute, August 1993.
1755 [3] Croft, W., and J. Gilmore, "Bootstrap Protocol", RFC 951,
1756 Stanford University and Sun Microsystems, September 1985.
1758 [4] Braden, R., Editor, "Requirements for Internet Hosts -
1759 Communication Layers", STD 3, RFC 1122, USC/Information Sciences
1760 Institute, October 1989.
1762 [5] Mogul, J., and J. Postel, "Internet Standard Subnetting
1763 Procedure", STD 5, RFC 950, USC/Information Sciences Institute,
1766 [6] Postel, J., and K. Harrenstien, "Time Protocol", STD 26, RFC
1767 868, USC/Information Sciences Institute, SRI, May 1983.
1769 [7] Postel, J., "Name Server", IEN 116, USC/Information Sciences
1770 Institute, August 1979.
1772 [8] Mockapetris, P., "Domain Names - Implementation and
1773 Specification", STD 13, RFC 1035, USC/Information Sciences
1774 Institute, November 1987.
1776 [9] Postel, J., "Quote of the Day Protocol", STD 23, RFC 865,
1777 USC/Information Sciences Institute, May 1983.
1779 [10] McLaughlin, L., "Line Printer Daemon Protocol", RFC 1179, The
1780 Wollongong Group, August 1990.
1782 [11] Accetta, M., "Resource Location Protocol", RFC 887, CMU,
1785 [12] Mogul, J. and S. Deering, "Path MTU Discovery", RFC 1191,
1786 DECWRL, Stanford University, November 1990.
1788 [13] Deering, S., "ICMP Router Discovery Messages", RFC 1256,
1789 Xerox PARC, September 1991.
1794 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 32]
1796 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
1799 [14] Leffler, S. and M. Karels, "Trailer Encapsulations", RFC 893,
1800 U. C. Berkeley, April 1984.
1802 [15] Hornig, C., "Standard for the Transmission of IP Datagrams over
1803 Ethernet Networks", RFC 894, Symbolics, April 1984.
1805 [16] Postel, J. and J. Reynolds, "Standard for the Transmission of
1806 IP Datagrams Over IEEE 802 Networks", RFC 1042, USC/Information
1807 Sciences Institute, February 1988.
1809 [17] Sun Microsystems, "System and Network Administration", March
1812 [18] Mills, D., "Internet Time Synchronization: The Network Time
1813 Protocol", RFC 1305, UDEL, March 1992.
1815 [19] NetBIOS Working Group, "Protocol Standard for a NetBIOS Service
1816 on a TCP/UDP transport: Concepts and Methods", STD 19, RFC 1001,
1819 [20] NetBIOS Working Group, "Protocol Standard for a NetBIOS Service
1820 on a TCP/UDP transport: Detailed Specifications", STD 19, RFC
1823 [21] Scheifler, R., "FYI On the X Window System", FYI 6, RFC 1198,
1824 MIT Laboratory for Computer Science, January 1991.
1826 [22] Reynolds, J., and J. Postel, "Assigned Numbers", STD 2, RFC 1700,
1827 USC/Information Sciences Institute, July 1992.
1829 13. Security Considerations
1831 Security issues are not discussed in this memo.
1850 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 33]
1852 RFC 2132 DHCP Options and BOOTP Vendor Extensions March 1997
1855 14. Authors' Addresses
1858 Silicon Graphics, Inc.
1859 2011 N. Shoreline Boulevard
1861 Mountain View, CA 94043-1389
1863 Phone: (415) 933-6172
1864 EMail: sca@engr.sgi.com
1871 Phone: (717) 524-1145
1872 EMail: droms@bucknell.edu
1906 Alexander & Droms Standards Track [Page 34]