PXE and other Boot Methods
When it comes to starting up your desktop for the first time, there are several boot methods to consider. Let’s use Windows 10 as an example. The operating system can be loaded from a slew of different storage devices. However, the BIOS/UEFI must be configured so the computer knows which storage device to search first.
The most common storage device for an OS would be the hard drive or some other form of fixed disc, such as an SSD. It’s worth noting that, in order for this to work, the partition made within the drive needs to be bootable.
Other common storage devices include optical drives or flash drives. When using these as a boot method, it is important for you to ensure that the correct boot option is selected via the BIOS/UEFI.
A boot method you might encounter in your workspace is PXE, which stands for Preboot Execution Environment. PXE allows the computer to be booted via files on a network by using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol).
A device will begin the process by requesting a PXE boot from the DHCP server. The DHCP Server then responds with an IP address for the device. Once the IP address is obtained, the device will then request the boot files from the PXE boot server. These files are sent via TFTP. Once received, the computer can now boot.
The most common storage device for an OS would be the hard drive or some other form of fixed disc, such as an SSD. It’s worth noting that, in order for this to work, the partition made within the drive needs to be bootable.
Other common storage devices include optical drives or flash drives. When using these as a boot method, it is important for you to ensure that the correct boot option is selected via the BIOS/UEFI.
A boot method you might encounter in your workspace is PXE, which stands for Preboot Execution Environment. PXE allows the computer to be booted via files on a network by using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol).
A device will begin the process by requesting a PXE boot from the DHCP server. The DHCP Server then responds with an IP address for the device. Once the IP address is obtained, the device will then request the boot files from the PXE boot server. These files are sent via TFTP. Once received, the computer can now boot.
Citations:
Lean, S. (2019, October 7). How does the PXE boot process work? Microsoft. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/itops-talk-blog/how-does-the-pxe-boot-process-work/ba-p/888557
Manage Engine OS Deployer. (2021). Preboot Execution Environment. ManageEngine. https://www.manageengine.com/products/os-deployer/pxe-preboot-execution-environment.html
Thank you for explaining the process of PXE boot. The step by step process was very informational and well detailed. I didn't know that TFTP is used in the process of booting via PXE.
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