Important Concepts and Info
This is the 2PXE Server 3.6 (current) release documentation. For other versions, please select the Drop Down list at the Top Left and select the correct version.
2PXE Server runs on Windows Server to provide network boot services
The 2PXE Server supports the following installation types:
Configuration Manager integrated – on a Configuration Manager Distribution Point
PowerShell Driven – runs standalone and does not require Configuration Manager or WDS
2PXE Server does not require WDS and by default, uses the iPXE open source standard.
iPXE supports HTTPS downloading of boot images faster and more securely than traditional PXE which uses TFTP.
Supports booting machines with Secure Boot enabled.
The iPXE Anywhere Web Service expands the functionality of 2PXE by enabling PowerShell automation and database functionality.
Will iPXE work with my Desktop and Laptop Computers?
Nearly all modern Business Class Laptops and Desktops that support PXE will also support iPXE. There are just a few configuration changes that need to be made to convert an existing PXE environment to support iPXE booting.
But how to know if your machines can support PXE?
Most Computers will fall into one of three categories:
Known Good Machines: Nearly all modern “Business Class” Laptops & Desktops and many “Consumer” Laptops & Desktops from the major Computer manufacturer will support PXE as long as the machine has a built-in Wired RJ-45 Ethernet Port. These include Manufactures like: Dell, Lenovo, and HP.
Known Exceptions List: We are currently tracking the following machines with known issues with iPXE: Microsoft Surface 2 Go Laptop – When booting, some of the iPXE Drivers can conflict with the attached USB Keyboard. Remedy is to attach an external keyboard, or use the on-screen keyboard. (iPXE #975) Dell Latitude 3440 – Some users have reported issues when downloading the boot.wim file. This could be mitigated adjusting some network settings, please contact 2Pint support if you are having issues. If you are having issues with a specific device, please contact support@2pintsoftware.com.
Other Machines:
Some Laptops/Tablets do not have a wired network connection available, only WiFi, or USB. Some Laptop/Tablet manufacturers support PXE/iPXE booting over Wi-Fi. Check with your device manufacturer to see if this is an option. iPXE can use on-board Wi-Fi.
Many Laptop/Tablet manufacturers support PXE/iPXE booting over USB-to-Ethernet. Check with your device manufacturer to see if they have approved USB-to-Ethernet devices. This is true for most Microsoft Surface devices. Note that some USB-to-Ethernet devices may not boot.
Finally, a backup option is to use a USB boot Disk with iPXE, and a USB-to-Ethernet device to connect to the network. This will work with most devices, and is an ideal backup solution.
A full list of networking devices supported by iPXE can be found at: https://ipxe.org/appnote/hardware_drivers
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