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Citrix Provisioning
Current Release 2109 2106 2012 2009 2006 2003 1912 LTSR 1909 7.15
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Getting the bootstrap file

September 6, 2018
Contributed by: 
C

A target device initiates the boot process by first loading a bootstrap program. A bootstrap program is a small program that runs before the operating system is loaded. Provisioning Services uses a special bootstrap program that initializes the streaming session between the target device and the Provisioning Server. After this session starts, the operating system begins to be streamed and loaded from the vDisk that was initiated.

There are three ways that a target device may load the bootstrap program.

  • Over the network, via Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE)
  • From a boot device stored on attached media
  • From a BIOS Embedded bootstrap (OEM versions only)

After the target device’s BIOS is configured to allow it to boot from the network, the device can boot and get a vDisk assignment from the Provisioning Server. The target device firmware gets the bootstrap file using standard network protocols.

Note

The device firmware (NIC) must support PXE 0.99j, PXE 2.1or greater.

Network Booting a Target Device

The DHCP service delivers IP configurations to a target device. It can also deliver the bootstrap file location using options 67, and 60 or 66. Consider delivering the bootstrap file location with a DHCP service to reduce the number of services and increase reliability.

Note: The BOOTP service can deliver IP configuration to a target device according to BOOTP tab. It can also deliver the boot program location using optional fields. Use of this service is no longer typical. Use this service only if DHCP does not meet your requirements.

The PXE service can deliver the bootstrap file location to a target device according to the PXE Specification Version 2.1. Use this service if a DHCP service exists and cannot be changed, and another PXE service is not used.

The TFTP service delivers the bootstrap file to a target device on request. Use it if another TFTP service is not available.

The illustrations and steps that follow describe the boot process both with and without the use of PXE.

Using DHCP to Retrieve IP Address and Scope Options (Without PXE)

  1. When a target device boots from the network, DHCP sends a request to the Provisioning Server for an IP address and Scope Option settings (66 and 67). The Provisioning Server returns the information as requested.
  2. Using TFTP, a request for the bootstrap file is sent from the target device to the Provisioning Server. The Provisioning Server downloads the boot file on the target device.
  3. The target device boots the assigned vDisk image.

Using DHCP with PXE to Retrieve IP Address and Scope Options

  1. When a target device boots from the network, DHCP sends a request to the Provisioning Server for an IP address and Scope Option settings (option 60; PXEClient identifier). The Provisioning Server returns the information as requested.
  2. The target device sends a request to the Provisioning Server for the bootstap file name and location to the PXE service (options 66 and 67). The PXE service returns the information to the target device.
  3. Using TFTP, a request for the bootstrap file is sent from the target device to the Provisioning Server. The Provisioning Server downloads the bootstrap file to the target device and the target device boots.

Booting From an Optional Boot Device

As an alternative to using PXE, the Boot Device Manager (BDM) can create a bootstrap file on a local hard drive, USB flash drive, or ISO image. The bootstrap file will then be used to boot the target device.

Note: The BIOS Embedded Bootstrap boot method also exists to allow OEMs to embedded the bootstrap file on the target device.

Getting the bootstrap file
September 6, 2018
Contributed by: 
C
September 6, 2018
Contributed by: 
C

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