Necessary Parameters for PXE
To implement the PXE protocol, DHCP options and/or BOOTP parameters must be configured:
• Next-server (BOOTP parameter) specifies the host address of the server from which the initial boot file (specified in the filename statement) is to be loaded. The value of this option should be a numeric IP address. If no next-server parameter applies to a given client, the DHCP server IP address is used.
• TFTP-server-name (DHCP option #66) is used to identify a TFTP server when the Next- server (BOOTP parameter) field in the DHCP header has been used for DHCP options.
• Filename (BOOTP parameter) specifies the name of the initial boot file to be loaded. The value of this option should be the name of a file that is recognizable to whatever file transfer protocol the client is expected to use to load the file. Some clients might prefer to receive this information in the bootfile-name option.
• Bootfile (DHCP option #67) specifies the name of the boot file to be used when the file field is used to carry options.
These options can be configured at multiple levels: server, scope, static reservation, DHCP group or dynamic range.
The PXE parameters configuration only applies to DHCPv4. For now, it is impossible to set them with IPv6 addressing.
To configure the next-server and the filename options in DHCPv4
-
Go to the properties page of the server, scope, range, group or static of your choice.
-
In the DHCP options panel, click on the . The Configure DHCP options wizard opens.
-
In the Option category drop-down list, select the BootP Compatible option. The two options: next-server and filename are listed among the options.
-
In the next-server field, type in the IP address of the server which the initial boot file will be loaded.
-
In the filename field, type in the name of the initial boot file to be loaded.
-
Click on to commit your configuration. The report opens and closes. The modifications
are listed in the DHCP options panel.