What is the primary service provided by BOOTP?

The correct answer relates to BOOTP's core functionality in network environments. BOOTP, which stands for Bootstrap Protocol, is primarily designed to enable devices on a network to obtain their IP addresses dynamically. When a device connects to a network, it doesn't always have a static IP address assigned. Instead, BOOTP facilitates the discovery and assignment of an IP address, along with additional configuration information such as the default gateway and subnet mask.

This dynamic assignment simplifies network management, as devices can be added or removed without requiring manual IP address configurations. The protocol operates by allowing a client device to broadcast a request for configuration and IP address information, which a BOOTP server can respond to with the required data.

Other choices do not accurately represent BOOTP's functionality. For instance, email delivery is handled by protocols specifically designed for that purpose, like SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). The transfer of files typically involves protocols such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and securing network communications is the realm of protocols designed for encryption and secure connections, like SSL/TLS. Hence, the primary purpose of BOOTP being to discover and assign IP addresses stands out clearly in its intended design and application.