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| | | | | AMD Development Boards and RDKs |
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Preboot Execution Boot ROM Code
Remote system setup and configuration capability for networked PCs
AMD is addressing the need to integrate remote accessibility into networked PCs with the Pre-boot Execution Environment (PXE) for the PCnet™ family of Ethernet Controllers. The PXE software enables a client PC system on the network to be booted remotely, even though it does not possess an operating system (OS). The PXE software is provided at no charge to PCnet customers.
AMD provides the software components needed to embed pre-OS accessibility into a computer on the network. PXE code can be integrated on a Network Interface Card (NIC) or embedded on a PC motherboard. The PXE code includes the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) which works in conjunction with a PCnet Ethernet controller-based Network Computer to dynamically generate an IP address for the client node. This allows the PC to establish an IP connection with the network for communication with a remote machine, even before the local operating system loads.
Benefits
With the Pre-boot Execution Environment, the PC becomes bootable off of the network. The PXE capability gives PC manufacturers and system administrators a way to boot a system without having to know anything about its operating environment. With pre-OS accessibility built in, PC manufacturers can automate software installation, system configuration and burn-in procedures. This approach reduces staff costs for installation and eliminates human errors. The ability to customize software loading is a key element in the latest build-to-order PC manufacturing strategies.
The remote boot capability that PXE provides also works hand-in-hand with AMD's Magic Packet™ remote wake-up capability to help system administrators maintain and upgrade PCs across the network. A host of desktop and enterprise network management tools such as Computer Associates' Unicenter TNG Framework, IBM's Tivoli™ Network Management System, and Intel's LANdesk Configuration Manager are designed to take advantage of PXE-based remote system setup and configuration, and the Magic Packet wake-up feature for remote software delivery.
Remote accessibility can eliminate the need to manually install software on new PCs on the network. With PXE in place, the network administrator can automatically load and configure the operating system and all needed application software from a remote PC or server on the LAN.
To upgrade a remote PC, a system administrator first issues the Magic Packet frame to wake up the PC. PXE code residing on the client works in conjunction with the remote PC to set up an IP address to establish LAN-based communication. With PXE in place, it is possible to communicate with a new PC that does not have an operating system, or a PC that fails to boot because of a problem.
PXE-based remote system setup enables system administrators to automate support tasks such as backing up disk drives, and running diagnostics and virus scans. Maintenance and troubleshooting activities can be performed from a remote location on a scheduled basis. This helps keep PCs on the network up and running, and reduces support calls.
PXE-based remote system setup is an attractive new feature for PC manufacturers because it helps end users reduce support expenses, simplify network administration, and improve network manageability. All of these factors help reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of the network.
Remote access capabilities are also required in the emerging new classes of network PC clients (thin clients, thick clients and NetPCs) that have limited resources, and are thus reliant on servers in the network. PC manufacturers are already taking advantage of the PXE support included with AMD's PCnet Ethernet controllers to design new systems that boot from the network.
The PCnet Advantage
With the emergence of the Wired for Management specification (WfM), remote access and management features are gaining industry-wide acceptance and are quickly becoming industry standards. PXE code for the AMD PCnet family of Ethernet Controllers enables OEMs to offer a competitive feature that is of great value to end users at no additional cost.
By providing advanced features such as PXE, support for the Desktop Management Initiative (DMI) 2.0 specification, and the Magic Packet remote wake-up capability, AMD's Network Products Division is keeping its customers on the cutting edge of the PC networking market.
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