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Network Boot: PXE, iPXE & UEFI HTTP Boot

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Network boot: starting an OS over the network

PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) lets a machine boot from the network instead of local storage. The NIC ROM requests a boot file from a server, downloads it, and hands off execution. Data centers use this to provision hundreds of bare-metal servers automatically — insert into rack, power on, receive OS installation.

Modern setups replace classic TFTP-based PXE with iPXE (HTTP-enabled) or UEFI HTTP Boot for better performance and security.

Packets in motion — click to inspect:

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