6.0.2

next-server xxx.xxx.xx.xx;
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 aempts to PXE boot, the DHCP server provides an IP address and the location of the
pxelinux.0 binary le on the TFTP server. The IP address assigned is in the range dened in the subnet
section of the conguration le.
About PXE Configuration Files
The PXE conguration le denes the menu displayed to the target ESXi host as it boots up and contacts the
TFTP server. You need a PXE conguration le 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 conguration le, you must include paths to the following les:
n
mboot.c32 is the boot loader.
n
boot.cfg is the boot loader conguration le.
See “About the boot.cfg File,” on page 181
File Name for the PXE Configuration File
For the le name of the PXE conguration le, select one of the following options:
n
01-mac_address_of_target_ESXi_host. For example, 01-23-45-67-89-0a-bc
n
The target ESXi host IP address in hexadecimal notation.
n
default
The initial boot le, pxelinux.0 or gpxelinux.0, tries to load a PXE conguration le. It tries with the MAC
address of the target ESXi host, prexed with its ARP type code, which is 01 for Ethernet. If that aempt
fails, it tries with the hexadecimal notation of target ESXi system IP address. Ultimately, it tries to load a le
named default.
File Location for the PXE Configuration File
Save the le in var/lib/tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/ on the TFTP server.
For example, you might save the le 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 conguration le.
See also “About Installation and Upgrade Scripts,” on page 174 and “About the boot.cfg File,” on page 181.
Prerequisites
Verify that your environment has the following components:
n
The ESXi installer ISO image downloaded from the VMware Web site.
n
TFTP server that supports PXE booting with gPXE. See “About the TFTP Server, PXELINUX, and
gPXE,” on page 146.
Chapter 8 Before Upgrading Hosts
VMware, Inc. 149