x86: Overview of Booting and Installing Over the Network With PXE

A Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) network boot is a direct network boot. No boot media is required on the client system. With PXE, you can install an x86 based client over the network by using DHCP.

A PXE network boot is available only for devices that implement the Intel Preboot Execution Environment specification. To determine whether your system supports PXE network booting, see your hardware manufacturer's documentation.

To boot over the network by using PXE, you need the following systems:

• An install server

• A DHCP server

• An x86 client that supports PXE

When you are preparing to use PXE to install a client over the network, consider the following issues.

• Set up only one DHCP server on the subnet that includes the client system that you want to install. The PXE network boot does not work properly over subnets that include multiple DHCP servers.

• Some early versions of PXE firmware have a variety of shortcomings. If you experience difficulty with a particular PXE adapter, obtain firmware upgrade information from the adapter manufacturer's web site. Refer to the elxl(7D) and iprb(7D) man pages for more information.