4 Simple network: creating a server for anonymous clients

This chapter describes how to configure your server to network boot and install HP-UX on anonymous clients.

Overview of anonymous clients

When booting registered PA-RISC clients, the clients’ IP addresses and MAC addresses were entered in the /etc/opt/ignite/instl_boottab file. If the clients were Itanium®-based, they were registered in the /etc/bootptab file.

An anonymous client can be booted from an Ignite-UX server without an IP address previously mapped to its MAC address. Anonymous clients boot using an IP address provided by the server.

Using anonymous client booting on a network is useful when you have many different systems that must be booted, installed, or recovered. It relieves you from the task of configuring for each specific system and eliminates the errors inherent in typing IP addresses and MAC addresses. Such an error can cause IP addresses to be accidentally assigned to more than one computer at a time.

The /etc/opt/ignite/instl_boottab file is used to provide PA-RISC systems with anonymous client booting. Within the instl_boottab file, if there are IP addresses not assigned to any MAC address, those IP addresses are available to lease to requesting anonymous clients.

Itanium-based clients use DHCP to boot anonymously.

Configuring an Ignite server to boot anonymous PA-RISC clients

Using the server setup wizard

If you know you want to use anonymous client boot when you start up your Ignite-UX server, you can set it up that way using the Server Setup Wizard.

Start Ignite-UX and the Server Setup Wizard as described in “Configuring the Ignite-UX server for PA-RISC clients” (page 31) until you get to the Configure Booting IP Addresses dialog box as shown in Figure 11 (page 34).

Enter individual or a range of valid IP addresses. Instead of entering a MAC address in the reserved for: 0x box, leave it blank. When the instl_bootd daemon requests an IP address for your anonymous PA-RISC client to boot from, it will be given an IP address not registered with any specific MAC address.

Editing the instl_boottab file

You can enter IP addresses in the instl_boottab file for anonymous PA-RISC client booting. The instl_boottab file contains comments with instructions on syntax. To add an IP address for anonymous PA-RISC booting, simply add that IP address to the file on its own line. Since the IP address is not explicitly marked as reserved or assigned to a MAC address, it is usable by any client. For more information, see instl_bootd(1M).

NOTE: No intervention is required to have instl_bootd pick up changes to the /etc/opt/ ignite/instl_boottab file. When a boot request is received, instl_bootd always checks whether the file was modified since last read, and rereads it before answering any boot request.

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HP UX System Management Software Simple network creating a server for anonymous clients, Overview of anonymous clients
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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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