NetBoot server

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NetBoot using PXE and TFTP. See NetBoot server principle



Setup NetBoot files

Use an Ubuntu ISO image as NetBoot

Download the latest Ubuntu netboot image for the target architecture(s) from: http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/netboot/


You have to take the netboot.tar.gz archive.


cd /tftpboot/
mkdir rescue
cd rescue
wget http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dists/trusty/main/installer-amd64/current/images/netboot/netboot.tar.gz
tar -xzvf netboot.tar.gz
rm netboot.tar.gz



Register files in DHCP server

Edit your DHCP server configuration:

vim /etc/dhcp/dhcpd.conf


Adjust it like that:

        #### NETBOOT settings 
        # PXE file to serve.
        #   >> elilo.efi   => for ia64 clients; 
        #   >> pxelinux.0  => for x86
        # These files should be at the root of your TFTP server
        # Note: The file name can be add in the "host" section too. Then, the "host" will override the current setting
        filename "rescue/pxelinux.0";
        # set the server that serve this NETBOOT file
        next-server 172.16.50.2;
        # Ensure that the new client (the one booting) is not stealing someone else IP @
        ping-check = 1;


Mind the "rescue/" in the filename section.


You can always override that setting later on for each host.


Restart the DHCP server

service isc-dhcp-server restart




Next step: Diskless server / workstation