Rockwell Automation BOOTP-DHCP EtherNet/IP Commissioning Tool
is the standard utility used to assign IP addresses to industrial devices like PLCs and drives. While version 2.3 is an older standalone release, it has largely been superseded by newer, more reliable versions or integrated alternatives. Where to Download Official Rockwell Site : The latest stable version (currently ) can be found on the
Rockwell Automation Product Compatibility and Download Center (PCDC) EtherNet/IP Address Commissioning Tool
: This is the modern replacement for the older BOOTP tool. It is often included with Studio 5000 and is widely considered more reliable on Windows 10 and 11. Rockwell Automation "Better" Alternatives
If the standard Rockwell tool is failing to detect your device, community experts often recommend these more robust third-party tools: Find Downloads - Rockwell Automation Compatibility
If you need BootP + DHCP + modern OS (Win10/11):
👉 TFTPD64 (latest version) – it is far better than any old “version 23” tool. bootp dhcp server 23 download better
Let me know your exact use case (e.g., flashing IP phones, network booting embedded devices), and I can give you the exact config file and download link.
While Rockwell Automation's BOOTP/DHCP Server 2.3 is a staple for commissioning industrial devices like PLCs and drives, many users find it unreliable on modern Windows systems due to firewall and network adapter conflicts.
Depending on your hardware and networking needs, the following modern alternatives are often considered "better" for more stable performance. Recommended Software Alternatives
For users experiencing issues with the standard Rockwell utility, these software-based servers are popular substitutes:
EtherNet/IP Address Commissioning Tool: This is the official modern replacement from Rockwell Automation for their older BOOTP tool. It is often more stable on Windows 10 and 11 Phoenix Contact IPAssign Reduce boot-time failures and timeouts for BOOTP clients
: A highly-regarded, lightweight, and portable tool. Many industrial engineers prefer IPAssign because it is less prone to the "Unable to service request" errors common in older utilities.
Keyence IP Setting Tool: Known for working when other tools fail to detect devices. It can be found in the Keyence Download Software section.
Molex EtherNet/IP Tools: A free alternative that specifically handles BOOTP and DHCP for EtherNet/IP devices, which can sometimes detect third-party modules that Rockwell's tool misses.
haneWIN DHCP Server: A robust Windows-based server that supports both BOOTP and DHCP protocols. It is a commercial product but widely used in professional environments requiring high reliability. Hardware-Based Solution
If your corporate IT security or firewalls consistently block PC-based servers, a hardware tool is a "bulletproof" alternative: PLC Tools SIM-IPE Ethernet IP Address Explorer TimWilborne& more Go to product viewer dialog for this item. no logging rotation
This is a handheld, point-to-point Ethernet IP Address Explorer that acts as a standalone BOOTP/DHCP server. It eliminates the need for a laptop or software entirely during field commissioning. Comparison Table: Modern BOOTP Alternatives Alternative Key Advantage IPAssign Portability Lightweight and highly reliable Rockwell Commissioning Tool Official Rockwell Users Modern, supported replacement Keyence IP Setting Tool Difficult-to-find devices Often detects devices others miss SIM-IPE (Hardware) IT/Firewall Restrictions No PC or software required Tips for Successful Connection
If you must use the older version 2.3, ensure these settings are correct:
C:\Program Files\Tftpd64) to Windows Defender exclusions before running.Clients need more than just an IP; they need to know where the internet is.
192.168.1.1).8.8.8.8, 1.1.1.1, or a local Pi-hole IP).home.local).If version 23 works so well, why search for "better"? Several reasons:
Thus, "better" means: Same core BOOTP functionality + Modern OS support + Enhanced security + Better logging.
Before downloading, you must understand why a standard DHCP server often fails your legacy equipment.