Cisco Systems UCSCPCIEBTG, 57712 manual PXE Installation Servers

Installing the Server OS

PXE Installation Servers

You can use the KVM console to install an OS on the server.

PXE Installation Servers

A Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) installation server allows a client to boot and install an OS from a remote location. To use this method, a PXE environment must be configured and available on your VLAN, typically a dedicated provisioning VLAN. Additionally, the server must be set to boot from the network.

When the server boots, it sends a PXE request across the network. The PXE installation server acknowledges the request, and starts a sequence of events that installs the OS on the server.

PXE servers can use installation disks, disk images, or scripts to install an OS. Proprietary disk images can also be used to install an OS, additional components, or applications.

Note PXE installation is an efficient method for installing an OS on a large number of servers. However, considering that this method requires setting up a PXE environment, it might be easier to use another installation method.

Installing an OS Using a PXE Installation Server

Before You Begin

•Verify that the server can be reached over a VLAN.

•You must log in as a user with admin privileges to install an OS.

Procedure

Step 1 Set the boot order to PXE first.

Step 2 Reboot the server.

If a PXE install server is available on the VLAN, the installation process begins when the server reboots. PXE installations are typically automated and require no additional user input. Refer to the installation guide for the OS being installed to guide you through the rest of the installation process.

What to Do Next

After the OS installation is complete, reset the LAN boot order to its original setting.

	Cisco UCS C-Series Servers Integrated Management Controller CLI Configuration Guide, Release 1.5
12	OL-28893-01