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BOOTP/DHCP Server
Port 67 is primarily used by the Bootstrap Protocol (BOOTP) and the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers to provide IP address assignment and configuration information to network clients. This port facilitates automated network management by enabling servers to dynamically allocate IP addresses, reducing manual configuration overhead..
Port 67, a well-known UDP port, serves as the listening port for the server-side of both BOOTP and DHCP protocols. BOOTP was the original protocol designed to enable diskless workstations to discover their IP address, gateway, and boot file location by querying a server during the boot process. It was largely static in allocation but automated the initial IP distribution.
DHCP was introduced as an enhancement to BOOTP, bringing dynamic allocation capabilities. DHCP servers monitor port 67 for DHCPDISCOVER messages from clients attempting to join the network. The server responds with DHCPOFFER, with further exchanges including DHCPREQUEST and DHCPACK, occurring primarily over port 67. This handshake facilitates dynamic assignment, leasing, renewal, and release of IP addresses and configuration parameters, greatly simplifying network administration.
Operationally, DHCP relies on broadcast requests since clients may not yet have an IP address. DHCP servers use port 67 to listen for requests from clients on port 68. This protocol also supports failover architectures for redundancy and can integrate with directory services or DNS updates for seamless network configuration and management.