CompTIA Network+ Practice Test 2026 - Free Network+ Practice Questions and Exam Prep Guide

The protocol known for manual IPv4 address configuration is BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol). BOOTP was originally designed to allow network devices to discover their IP addresses and the location of their boot files automatically, which was essential for diskless workstations. However, it also supports manual configuration of IP addresses when needed, allowing administrators to statically assign IP addresses to specific devices.

BOOTP works by using a simple model where the client can request an IP address from a server, and if configured, the server can provide a predefined IP address that is manually set for that client in its configuration. This capability allows for a degree of manual management within the protocol that can be beneficial in certain network environments.

In contrast, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is an evolution of BOOTP and automates the process of IP address allocation, including address recycling, which reduces the need for manual configurations. RARP (Reverse Address Resolution Protocol) is specifically used to map hardware addresses to IP addresses rather than for direct address configuration. APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) is a feature of Windows that enables a device to assign itself an IP address automatically in the absence of a DHCP server, but it does not involve any manual configuration.