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Re: pxe boot: computers old and new kernel problem



Hi Fabrizio, hi Frans,

On Fri, Jan 31, 2020 at 04:14:51PM +0100, Frans Spiesschaert wrote:
> Fabrizio Capurro - Yddu schreef op vr 31-01-2020 om 11:18 [+0100]:
> > The network is structured as follows:
> > 
> > 1)      Main server (AMD Ryzen 7, 32 Gb ram, 1 SSD 500 Gb, 2 network
> > cards, Debian Edu 10 64 bit)
> > 2)      12 PCs with 64 bit processor (thin clients e workstations)
> > 3)      11 old PCs wth 32 bit processor (thin clients)
> > 
> > At the moment all these PCs are connected to a Main server and to a
> > router (10.0.0.1/255.0.0.0) via a switch in the 10.0.X.X network

I assume that you want to keep that setup (only one network).
 
> > Would it be possible in some way to make dated PCs boot with an
> > appropriate kernel?
> 
> You have to set up support for older (32 bit) computers. See section
> 17.2.6. of the manual (Add LTSP chroot to support 32-bit-PC clients).
> It is the same section number in the Italian manual.
> It's not just a matter of an appropriate kernel but rather a matter of
> an appropriate image for the 32 bit clients.

The 32-bit machines are run as thin clients, so (as a bit opposed to the 
mentioned manual information) you can install the additional 32-bit LTSP 
chroot like this (far less disk space and time needed):

ltsp-build-client --arch i386 --eatmydata --no-diskless-edu-workstation

If all went well, run:

ltsp-update-kernels
ltsp-update image
service nbd-server restart

> > Is the Debian Edu server able to recognize the hardware that needs to
> > boot (or even manually set it pc by pc) by "sending" the right
> > kernel?

No, there is no autodetection.
A netbooting client asks for information, the DHCP server sends the answer. 
This answer must be different from the default one for the 32-bit clients.

You need to add the 32-bit systems using the GOSa web interface, see the 
manual how to do this. Also a slight difference compared to the manual: 

(1) You need to edit DHCP settings. If you click the 'Edit settings' 
    button, you'll see a BOOTUP section. In the filename field, enter 
    this: /var/lib/tftpboot/ltsp/i386/pxelinux.0
    Don't enter anything more, just say ok and you're done.
(2) Skip the NIS netgroup step.

To be on the safe side, run
service isc-dhcp-server restart

In parts out of my head, steps might be missing... 

Hope it helps,
Wolfgang

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