Ignite-UX Administration Guide for HP-UX 11i (B3921-90080, November 2013)

5 Complex Networks: Challenges and Solutions
Most information about Ignite server set up assumes a simple network consisting of one subnet
where the server supports network boot and installation. This simple network configuration is
assumed so documentation can be clear and concise.
Often, real network environments are significantly more complex. Configuring an Ignite server to
operate correctly in a complex network configuration requires special consideration of network
topology.
This chapter identifies some types of complex network challenges and approaches to handle these
challenges.
This chapter focuses on Integrity systems only.
How To Use This Chapter
Data centers have unique requirements, constraints, and network topology. It is likely you will have
multiple challenges when creating a total solution for system installation and recovery, which will
require you to implement multiple solutions for your site.
To help explain network topology, an example complex network diagram will be used that presents
multiple challenges. This example network will be referenced throughout the complex networking
chapters.
Knowledge of network boot and OS installation steps will help you understand this chapter. Most
often, boot and installation is performed by one server. When considering complex network
solutions, it sometimes make sense to use separate systems for boot and installation, or to switch
servers during the boot process. See the “How Ignite Works” (page 18) section for network boot
and OS installation steps information.
Network boot and installation relies on several protocols that are not detailed here. See “Ignite-UX
Server Ports” (page 85) for protocol and port information related to Ignite phases of operation.
It is assumed you have a working knowledge of DHCP, PXE, bootp, and TFTP.
Complex Network Challenges
In a complex network configuration, it is often preferable to manage one master Ignite server and
use that server to support installation for all subnets. A central server simplifies administration and
helps ensure all systems are managed with consistent installation and recovery. The challenge is
to have a central Ignite server support network boot for all your required subnets, handle installation,
and coexist with any other network boot servers.
The following diagram illustrates a complex network with multiple subnets (10.1.1 and 10.2.1)
connected to the Ignite server (hpignite), remote systems (hpuxsysa and hpuxsysb) that use a boot
helper system (iuxboot), a system (hpuxsysz) on a separate subnet without a boot helper, and
another boot server (sysrdp) on the same subnet as the Ignite server. Systems on the same subnet
(10.1.1 or 10.2.1) as the Ignite server are HP-UX systems (hpuxsys1, hpuxsys2, and hpuxsysx), a
Linux system (linuxsys2) and a Windows system (winsys1). This diagram will be used as an example
network configuration throughout the complex network chapters.
48 Complex Networks: Challenges and Solutions