Patent ID: 8312115
Filing Date: 2012-11-13
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A network, comprising: a plurality of sub-networks; and a systems management tool connected to, but not within, the plurality of sub-networks, the systems management tool having a database containing boot action data, wherein one of the plurality of sub-networks includes a sub-network booting apparatus connected to a plurality of machines, at least one of the sub-network booting apparatus and one of the plurality of machines storing an image of an operating system, wherein the sub-network booting apparatus is configured to provide a network boot program including a pre-installation environment, wherein the sub-network booting apparatus includes a processor configured to execute a first set of stored instructions that implements a method of booting at least one of the plurality of machines to the pre-installation environment, the instructions including: wherein the sub-network booting apparatus and the machine to be booted include a second set of stored instructions that include instructions for copying the pre-installation environment to the machine to be booted in accordance with the boot action data, and wherein the pre-installation environment includes instructions for causing a package location request for the machine to be booted to be broadcast on the sub-network to find the location of the image of the operating system in the sub-network, copy the located image to the machine to be booted, and install the operating system on the machine to be booted.