Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Practice Exam

BOOTP stands for Bootstrap Protocol. It is a network protocol used to allow a client to discover its own IP address, locate a server, and download the necessary configuration files to boot an operating system over a network. The Bootstrap Protocol was primarily designed to enable diskless workstations to bootstrap themselves into an environment where they can fully operate without local storage.

Understanding the term "bootstrap" in the context of computer networking is essential; it refers to the process of starting up a computer by loading the necessary operating system files. BOOTP is a precursor to the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which serves a similar purpose but with more functionality.

The other options relate to concepts or terms that do not accurately reflect the meaning of BOOTP. The first choice introduces irrelevant terminology that doesn't align with established protocols. Likewise, the second choice confuses the operational nature of the protocol with a process-oriented description. The last option, while using familiar terms, does not represent the established definition of BOOTP. Thus, recognizing BOOTP as Bootstrap Protocol highlights its true purpose in networking contexts.