HP ProLiant BL30p

Server Blade Configuration and Utilities
Network-Based PXE Deployment
Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE) is a component of the Intel Wired for
Management (WfM) specification. The PXE model enables server blades to load and
execute a network bootstrap program (NBP) from a PXE server and to execute a
pre-configured image. The image can be an operating system image created by
software utilities or a boot diskette image. This feature enables a user to configure a
server blade and install an operating system over a network.
When a PXE-enabled client boots, it obtains an IP address from a dynamic host
configuration protocol (DHCP) server. The client obtains the name of the NBP from
the appropriate boot server. Then, the client uses trivial file transfer protocol (TFTP)
to download the NBP from the boot server and executes the image.
For each server blade that you are deploying, the PXE server must be connected to
the NIC designated for PXE. The server blade defaults PXE functions to NIC 1, but
any of the two NC series NICs can be designated for PXE in RBSU. For NIC
connector locations on RJ-45 patch panels and interconnect switches, refer to the
HP ProLiant BL30p Server Blade Overview card included with the server blade.
NOTE: Actual NIC numeration depends on several factors, including the operating system
installed on the server.
To deploy an operating system to multiple server blades, you can install a PXE
deployment server on a network.
Deployment Infrastructure
To establish a network-based PXE deployment infrastructure, you must provide the
following software and minimum hardware:
• Client PC (administrative workstation)
— Intel Pentium III or higher processor (700 MHz or greater recommended)
— 128 MB of RAM
— Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional or Microsoft Windows XP operating
system
— Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or above with 128-bit encryption
HP ProLiant BL30p Server Blade Setup and Installation Guide 5-11