OIT recommends that all Macs connected via OIT Ethernet wiring which are not running Open Transport software be configured so they use BootP. (Ethernet-attached Macs running Open Transport should be configured to use DHCP, not BootP.)
We also recommend that all Macs connected via SLIP or PPP (using the Campus Remote Access Server) be configured so they use BootP (regardless of whether they run Open Transport software).
BootP is a network service that allows the Mac to automatically learn various network parameters. For Macs not running Open Transport software, the parameters learned include the IP address, subnet mask, and default router. Configuration is done in the MacTCP Control Panel.
If your Mac is connected to a non-OIT network that does not provide BootP service, or you are aware of some other special reason that BootP is not appropriate for your Mac, you may choose to configure your Mac to not use BootP.
BootP service only works if your Mac is registered properly in the Host Database. As with all Ethernet-connected devices, if you replace your Mac or its Ethernet interface, you must updated your entry in the Host Database. Replacing your Mac or its Ethernet interface will normally change its Ethernet address; BootP service will not work until your Host Database entry is updated to reflect your Mac's new Ethernet address.