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Boot EX4000 using Network Boot

Network booting (netboot), refers to the process of initiating a device's startup directly from a network source, rather than relying on local storage devices such as hard drives or USB drives. This method enables the device to load the operating system from a centralized server over the network.

Network booting (netboot) is the process of starting the device from a network location instead of a local storage device like a hard disk or a USB drive. Netboot allows the device to boot from a central server and load the Junos OS over the network.

Administrators can efficiently update or upgrade the device firmware across the network using a central server, ensuring all devices are equipped with the latest features and security patches. Since the firmware is derived directly from a central server, the risk of tampering or exploitation is vastly reduced. Furthermore, centralized logging and monitoring of firmware and configuration changes provide a reliable audit trail, making it easier to detect any unauthorized modifications.

The device is configured to initially attempt loading boot files from the local hard disk, failing which it attempts to load the files from the USB. In case, the USB is not available or if there is any other form of failure, then the system attempts netboot. You can also manually select the netboot option (BOOT0001 NET00) on the console when the device restarts, irrespective of the status of the hard disk and USB.

Use Network Boot

This section provides the steps to use network boot.

Prerequisites

The DHCP server should be configured to provide:

  • the TFTP server information as the next-hop server

  • the loader file location in the TFTP server

Follow the steps below to boot EX4000 using network boot.

After a power cycle, the following options are shown in the U-Boot Boot Menu.

  1. Select the BOOT0001 NET00 option and press Enter.

    Note:

    If you do not select the option manually, the device's U-Boot is configured to automatically look for a bootable image on the network after failing to boot from hard disk and USB.

    The following processes are executed automatically on the device:

    1. The bootp command is executed by the system which sends a request to a DHCP server to obtain the IP address and other network configuration information.

    2. The DHCP server responds with the IP address of the network boot server, which contains the loader filename.

    3. The device downloads the loader file and boots using the file.

    4. After booting, the console displays the OK prompt.

  2. Run the following TFTP install command, where junos-install-media-net-ex40xx.tgz is the filename of the image you want to install.

    The device then connects to the provided server location, downloads the necessary files using TFTP and then installs the image securely.