kpxe

kpxe is a common filename used in PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) boot environments to load the iPXE network bootstrap firmware. It refers to an iPXE boot image that a PXE client retrieves from a DHCP/TFTP server in order to start a network-based boot process. When a client requests the kpxe file, it typically receives the iPXE binary, which enables more advanced boot options such as booting over HTTP, HTTPS, iSCSI, or FTP, rather than the traditional TFTP-only approach.

Origins and purpose: kpxe originates from the iPXE project (which evolved from Etherboot) and is used primarily in BIOS-oriented PXE setups. In many networks, the TFTP server is configured to serve a file named kpxe (or a vendor-specific alias like undionly.kpxe). The result is a flexible, feature-rich boot environment that extends standard PXE capabilities with newer transport methods and scripting.

Typical deployment: In a network deployment, DHCP or PXE boot settings can point clients to the kpxe file. After the iPXE binary is loaded, administrators can route boot traffic to HTTP(s) servers for requested installers or operating system images, enabling faster and more scalable deployments. Note that kpxe is mainly used for BIOS-based systems; UEFI clients commonly use a different boot file, such as ipxe.efi.

See also: PXE, iPXE, DHCP, TFTP, network boot.