Boot via Network

[PlatypusPedersen]

After I've set up the main HTPC with LinuxMCE, I first thought about wanting to be able to easily synchronize it with my laptop, but come to think of it, it would be much cooler to Boot via Network to get instant access to the main HTPC - no synchronizing needed.

A little info about the subject:
http://www.kegel.com/linux/pxe.html

[cirion]

LinuxMCE already does boot over network...

All MediaDirectors and Orbiters run directly off the Core.

First, enter the Admin site and press "MediaDirectors" and Press "Setup diskless MD *"
* When you add a new diskless M/D, you must first click this button, wait for the setup process to complete, then do a "quick reload router", and then you can bootup your new diskless media director.

That does not take long, then enable PXE boot in Bios on the PC you want to use as an MediaDirector.

The next step takes a while... With Gigabit network it's not so slow, but with 100mbit it can take 1 - 4hours to build the image.
Use an Orbiter to do the setup, or you will not get the messages you need to answer to get the MD up and running.

[PlatypusPedersen]

Ok, I didn't konw that. Looked around for info about it on this site but didn't find any.
Anyway, thanks for the answer.

[totallymaxed]

LinuxMCE already does boot over network...

All MediaDirectors and Orbiters run directly off the Core.

First, enter the Admin site and press "MediaDirectors" and Press "Setup diskless MD *"
* When you add a new diskless M/D, you must first click this button, wait for the setup process to complete, then do a "quick reload router", and then you can bootup your new diskless media director.

That does not take long, then enable PXE boot in Bios on the PC you want to use as an MediaDirector.

The next step takes a while... With Gigabit network it's not so slow, but with 100mbit it can take 1 - 4hours to build the image.
Use an Orbiter to do the setup, or you will not get the messages you need to answer to get the MD up and running.

Actually the best way to add a diskless MD is to set your MD's network interface to network boot or LAN boot and make that the 1st boot device in your Bios setup. Then with a network cable plugged in and connected via your router to your Core power the MD up. It should start to boot automatically and after a few seconds you will see an announcement in yellow text on the booting MD's screen that the MD has been announced on your Core's local MD. Select follow the onscreen prompts on Cores MD to select the new MD and to choose which 'Room' to add it too and then sit back and wait about 10 mins while it is added.