How to Make a PXE Server
A PXE (Preboot eXecution Environment) server allows you to boot multiple computers over a network without the need for a hard drive or operating system installed on each individual machine. This can be particularly useful for IT professionals who need to deploy operating systems or run diagnostics on a large number of computers simultaneously. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to set up your own PXE server.
Step 1: Install and Configure DHCP Server
The first step in setting up a PXE server is to install and configure a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server on your network. This server will assign IP addresses to the client computers and provide them with the necessary network configuration information to boot from the PXE server. You can use popular DHCP server software such as ISC DHCP or dnsmasq to accomplish this.
Step 2: Install TFTP Server
Next, you will need to install a TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) server on your network. The TFTP server will be responsible for transferring the necessary files to the client computers during the boot process. Popular TFTP server software includes tftpd-hpa and atftpd. Make sure to configure the TFTP server to point to the directory where you store the PXE boot files.
Step 3: Set Up PXE Boot Files
Now, you will need to create the PXE boot files that the client computers will use to boot from the server. These files include the network bootloader (such as PXELINUX or iPXE) and the boot images for the operating systems you want to deploy. You can find these files by downloading the Syslinux or iPXE packages from their respective websites.
Step 4: Configure PXELINUX or iPXE
After you have the necessary boot files, you will need to configure your network bootloader (PXELINUX or iPXE) to load these files when a client computer requests a boot from the PXE server. You can do this by editing the configuration files provided by the bootloader software and pointing them to the correct paths for the boot files on your TFTP server.
Step 5: Test Your PXE Server
Once you have set up your PXE server and configured all the necessary components, it’s time to test it. Boot a client computer over the network and see if it successfully connects to the PXE server and loads the operating system you have set up. If everything is working correctly, you should be able to deploy operating systems or run diagnostics on multiple computers simultaneously using your PXE server.
Conclusion
Setting up a PXE server can be a powerful tool for IT professionals who need to manage multiple computers efficiently. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create your own PXE server and streamline the process of deploying operating systems and running diagnostics on a large number of computers. Remember to test your PXE server thoroughly before putting it into production to ensure everything is working as expected.