Specifications

filename = "pxelinux.0";
}
subnet 192.168.48.0 netmask 255.255.255.0 {
range 192.168.48.100 192.168.48.250;
}
When a machine attempts to PXE boot, the DHCP server provides an IP address and the location of the
pxelinux.0 binary file on the TFTP server. The IP address assigned is in the range defined in the subnet
section of the configuration file.
About PXE Configuration Files
The PXE configuration file defines the menu displayed to the target ESXi host as it boots up and contacts the
TFTP server. You need a PXE configuration file to PXE boot the ESXi installer.
The TFTP server constantly listens for PXE clients on the network. When it detects that a PXE client is
requesting PXE services, it sends the client a network package that contains a boot menu.
Required Files
In the PXE configuration file, you must include paths to the following files:
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mboot.c32 is the boot loader.
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boot.cfg is the boot loader configuration file.
See “About the boot.cfg File,” on page 193
File Name for the PXE Configuration File
For the file name of the PXE configuration file, select one of the following options:
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01-mac_address_of_target_ESXi_host. For example, 01-23-45-67-89-0a-bc
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The target ESXi host IP address in hexadecimal notation.
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default
The initial boot file, pxelinux.0 or gpxelinux.0, tries to load a PXE configuration file. It tries with the MAC
address of the target ESXi host, prefixed with its ARP type code, which is 01 for Ethernet. If that attempt
fails, it tries with the hexadecimal notation of target ESXi system IP address. Ultimately, it tries to load a file
named default.
File Location for the PXE Configuration File
Save the file in var/lib/tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/ on the TFTP server.
For example, you might save the file on the TFTP server at /tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/01-00-21-5a-ce-40-f6.
The MAC address of the network adapter on the target ESXi host is 00-21-5a-ce-40-f6.
PXE Boot the ESXi Installer by Using PXELINUX and a PXE Configuration File
You can use a TFTP server to PXE boot the ESXi installer, using PXELINUX and a PXE configuration file.
See also “About Installation and Upgrade Scripts,” on page 184 and “About the boot.cfg File,” on page 193
Prerequisites
Verify that your environment has the following components:
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The ESXi installer ISO image downloaded from the VMware Web site.
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TFTP server that supports PXE booting with gPXE. See “About the TFTP Server, PXELINUX, and
gPXE,” on page 158.
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DHCP server configured for PXE booting. See “Sample DHCP Configuration,” on page 160.
Chapter 7 Upgrading and Migrating Your Hosts
VMware, Inc. 161