A diskless client is a system that depends on an OS server for its operating system, software, and storage. A diskless client mounts its root (/), /usr, and other file systems from its OS server. A diskless client has its own CPU and physical memory and can process data locally. However, a diskless client cannot operate if it is detached from its network or if its OS server malfunctions. A diskless client generates significant network traffic because of its continual need to function across the network. For a conceptual overview of diskless clients, see Diskless Client Management Overview in System Administration Guide: Basic Administration.
N1 System Manager supports diskless clients for the following operating systems and relates directly to the OS that is running on the management server:
Solaris
Solaris DHCP: Solaris NFS, works with local TFTP only, works with local NFS server only
ISC DHCP: Linux NFS, works with local or remote TFTP, works with local or remote NFS server
ISC DHCP: Solaris NFS, works with local TFTP only, works with local NFS server only
Red Hat Linux
Linux NFS, works with local or remote TFTP, works with local or remote NFS server
Solaris NFS, works with local or remote TFTP, works with local NFS server only
Linux initd, works with local or remote TFTP, works with local or remote NFS server