PXE IP boot ordering

The following diagram illustrates the POST sequence on UEFI based systems:

In case of Legacy Boot Mode when the server boots and reaches POST complete, VCM will read the current bootable devices from an EV and re-order them based on the profile configuration. The server then reboots with the newly configured boot ordering.

In case of UEFI Boot Mode when the server reaches discovery complete, the design goal is that VC sets an EV. The EV instructs BIOS to boot through Discovery complete, issue a POST complete, then wait for some time and reboot. This allows VC to write the EVs at that time. VC doesn’t actually read any EVs in UEFI mode. VC uses the OA and SMBIOS info and VC profile to determine which devices are bootable. It then configures those in the desired boot order EVs.

To support UEFI Boot Order specification, VC includes Boot mode pull down option to the profile define/edit screen. The boot mode options are as follows:

•Auto (default)

•Legacy (Legacy BIOS)

•UEFI

To support this specification, VC-GUI has a drop down (UEFI boot system) in profile screen. Auto is the default boot mode. Users with server privilege can add/change UEFI boot mode.

PXE works with the NIC by making it function like a boot device. When a PXE-enabled NIC sends out a DHCP broadcast request, the DHCP server responds with boot information for the client.