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I already have a PXE server on my network. Is that a problem?

Coexistence with an Existing PXE Server

The Medulla installation includes setting up a dedicated PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) server to facilitate deployment. We understand that your environment may already have an operational PXE server.

This is not a problem.

The key to coexistence lies in the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), which acts as the orchestrator of the network boot process (PXE).

1. DHCP is the sole decision-maker

The PXE server (whether Medulla’s or an existing one) cannot act alone. It is theDHCP server that directs the client to the correct boot server.

When you power on a machine that needs to boot via PXE, it sends a DHCP request. The DHCP server not only provides it with an IP address but also two pieces of information crucial for network booting:

Even if two PXE servers are listening on the network, only the DHCP server has the authority to tell the client which server to use.

We provide a DHCP/PXE configuration after installing the Medulla server.

2. Selective Filtering (MAC Address / Scopes)

It is possible to manage filtering by MAC address.

  • MAC Address Control:

    You can configure the DHCP server to check the MAC address of the requesting client.

    • If the MAC address is 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E, the DHCP server sendsOption 66 pointing to Medulla’s PXE.

    • For all other addresses, the DHCP server sends no PXE option, or points to your existing PXE.

  • Control by Scope or Vendor Class:

    DHCP can also apply these PXE routing rules to specific IP address ranges or based on a specific identifier sent by the client (the PXE client’s Vendor Class).

In summary, both PXE servers can exist in parallel, but they remain inactive until DHCP formally instructs the client to contact one of them via the next-server directive.

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