Netwerkopstarten

Netwerkopstarten, also known as network booting or PXE booting, is a process that allows a computer to start up and load its operating system from a network server instead of a local hard drive. This method is particularly useful in enterprise environments and for diskless workstations.

The process begins when a computer's network interface card (NIC) is configured to initiate a PXE boot. Upon startup, the NIC sends a broadcast request over the network to locate a DHCP server. The DHCP server, in turn, responds with an IP address for the client and the address of a TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) server.

The client then uses TFTP to download a small boot loader program from the TFTP server. This boot loader is responsible for fetching the actual operating system kernel and any necessary drivers from the network. Once the operating system is loaded into the computer's memory, it can begin to run, effectively starting up without a local storage device.

Netwerkopstarten offers several advantages, including simplified deployment and management of operating systems across multiple machines, centralized updates, and the ability to use diskless workstations which can be more cost-effective and secure. However, it relies heavily on a stable network infrastructure and server availability.