For information regarding creating a DHCP device group for booting anonymous Itanium-based clients, see “Ignite-UX server and boot helper setup for DHCP” (page 44).

Using bootptab as an alternative to DHCP

If you want to have more control over the allocation of IP addresses and their mappings to your clients, you can configure entries in /etc/bootptab for each client. Because the Bootstrap Protocol (BOOTP) is a subset of the DHCP protocol, the client's request for a DHCP server will be satisfied with the BOOTP response.

If you also specify a boot file (bf) of /opt/ignite/boot/boot_lif in the bootptab entries, you do not need any additional entries in /etc/opt/ignite/inst_boottab. In this case, you would boot the clients using boot lan instead of boot lan install. Only clients known in /etc/bootptab will be able to boot if you do not use instl_boottab.

A minimal example /etc/bootptab entry follows; you must use your own hostname, IP address, hardware address, and subnet mask. Other networking information may also be specified here or using instl_adm. Specify the Ignite-UX server’s IP address with the instl_adm -toption.

sysname:\

hn:\

vm=rfc1048:\

ht=ether:\

ha=080009352575:\

ip=10.1.51.82:\

sm=255.255.255.0:\ bf=/opt/ignite/boot/boot_lif

NOTE: Important information relevant to using bootptab to enable network installation of clients is found in “Configuring the Ignite-UX server for Itanium-based clients” (page 35).

Background information on DHCP design

The DHCP protocol is implemented as extensions to the BOOTP protocol, and in fact the HP-UX DHCP server and BOOTP daemons are the same: bootpd. This daemon reads two configuration files: /etc/bootptab and /etc/dhcptab.

The mapping of systems to IP addresses and lease time information is kept in the DHCP database file /etc/dhcpdb. Some amount of management of this database is provided by the dhcptools command.

On the client side, a command called /usr/lbin/dhcpclient is used to contact the server to get an IP address lease. This command has the ability to broadcast out onto the network prior to the network interface being enabled.

The dhcpclient also serves as a daemon process that sleeps until such time that it needs to renew the IP address lease. At that time, the client will recontact the server from which it got the original lease in order to extend it.

The dhcpclient command is not intended to be run by users directly; it is called by other tools during system boot and installation.

For more information regarding the networking parameters that DHCP can supply, see auto_parms(1M) and dhcpdb2conf(1M).

For more general information regarding DHCP, see bootpd(1M) and dhcptools(1M).

238 Configuring DHCP services

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HP UX System Management Software manual Using bootptab as an alternative to Dhcp, Background information on Dhcp design
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UX System Management Software specifications

HP-UX System Management Software is a robust suite of tools designed to facilitate the administration and management of HP's Unix-based operating system, HP-UX. As organizations increasingly rely on mission-critical applications, the need for a reliable and efficient management solution becomes paramount. HP-UX provides a comprehensive understanding of system performance, resource utilization, and enterprise-wide configuration, all while maintaining high availability and security.

One of the key features of HP-UX System Management Software is its Advanced System Administrator Toolkit. This toolkit includes a wide array of utilities that streamline daily administrative tasks such as monitoring system performance, managing user accounts, and configuring system settings. Tools such as Glance provide real-time monitoring of system resources, enabling administrators to identify bottlenecks and optimize performance.

The software also boasts an advanced security framework, including features such as Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Secure Shell (SSH) for secure data transmission. Security patches and updates can be managed through HP’s Service Pack for HP-UX, which provides a streamlined method for maintaining system integrity and compliance with various regulatory standards.

Another notable aspect is the extensive support for virtualization technologies. HP-UX supports HP’s Integrity Virtual Machines (IVMs) and vPars, allowing administrators to create multiple isolated environments on a single physical server. This not only enhances resource utilization but also improves disaster recovery planning by enabling easier backup and restore processes.

For storage management, HP-UX offers tools that enable easy setup and management of Logical Volume Managers (LVM). This allows simplified disk space allocation and management, ensuring that critical applications have the necessary resources without manual intervention.

Furthermore, HP-UX is designed with compatibility in mind, supporting a wide range of third-party applications and frameworks. Integration with management platforms like HP System Insight Manager enhances the ability to monitor and manage systems from a centralized perspective, providing alerts and reports that help in proactive decision-making.

In summary, HP-UX System Management Software delivers a streamlined approach to system administration, focusing on performance, security, and ease of management. Its advanced features, combined with an emphasis on virtualization and storage management, make it a powerful tool for organizations seeking reliability and efficiency in their Unix-based environments. As businesses continue to evolve, tools like HP-UX will remain crucial for ensuring consistent performance and operational excellence.
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