Very Computer

Hello,

Does anybody know if it's possible with linux to boot from the network?

And if it's possible, how???

I have several diskless stations, and an linux server.
Is it possible to boot the diskless stations from the network?

I know this is possible with Sun stations, but I want to try it with linux!

Could somebody give me some information??..

Thx
Dirk van Daalen

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: Hello,

: Does anybody know if it's possible with linux to boot from the network?

: And if it's possible, how???

: I have several diskless stations, and an linux server.
: Is it possible to boot the diskless stations from the network?

: I know this is possible with Sun stations, but I want to try it with linux!

: Could somebody give me some information??..

It should. The necessary programs and daemons, such as bootpd, are ported to
linux and in some cases like Slackware, part of the distribution. But:
You have to invent a clever way to start the PC. Remember, it needs in normal
cases at least a floppy to get it started.
Sure you could write a kernel image to the floppy and start from there with
the necessary network stuff. But it's more sort of a workaround, not a proper
solution.
Best would be to get some network card which are capable of using a boot-PROM.
You just burn the program in and it will boot at startup.
(I'm not pretty how it exactly works; maybe should somebody with Novell-
Experience enlighten me; from what I've learned, it's quite common in Novell
Networks. )
If this is done, the actual booting shouldn't be any problem; the bootpd's got
a pretty good man-page ( and you could of course have a look at the RFC's ).

: Thx
: Dirk van Daalen

Me pleasure

Greetings from Heidelberg

hannes

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