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The Definitive Guide to Installing ESXi using iPXE...
2012-01-16, 03:37 (This post was last modified: 2012-01-16 03:57 by MultimediaMan.)
Post: #6
RE: The Definitive Guide to Installing ESXi using iPXE...
Memdisk via iPXE vs. ISO Boot HTTP via iPXE:

Memdisk via iPXE does the following things:

1) Emulates a CD-ROM allowing a Network-Based Install.
2) Masks actual system RAM because the environment memdisk creates "hides" a certain amount of RAM to allow for the ISO - This amount is generally 2x ISO Size (Maximum 2GB - I think).
3) Preloads the ISO into memory before executing the ISO. This slows boot time a bit.

ISO Boot over HTTP via iPXE:

1) Does not emulate a CD-ROM. It is a Block Device.
2) Does not mask system RAM.
3) Executes as it reads: Faster than memdisk and no "preloading" of the ISO is required.
4) Does not hold the ISO as a readable device once the ISO is loaded unless loaded into the iBFT.

Updated to reflect two more methods of installing ESXi using iPXE.

"Thus far, you have been adrift within the sheltered harbor of my patience..."
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RE: The Definitive Guide to Installing ESXi using iPXE... - MultimediaMan - 2012-01-16 03:37



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