Intel(R) PRO/100+ Boot Agent Release Notes for Version 1.0 ========================================================== The Intel PRO/100+ Boot Agent is a multi-protocol Boot ROM product. It can be uploaded to the FLASH on the supported Intel adapters. The Intel PRO/100+ Boot Agent can be used to remotely start a diskless workstation with a supported operating systems or can be used to install and set up an operating system on a new computer. Supported Adapters ------------------ Intel PRO/100 series Adapters Intel EtherExpress(TM) PRO/100+ Management Adapter (PILA8900G1) Intel EtherExpress(TM) PRO/100+ Management Adapter (PILA8461G1PAK80) Intel PRO/100+ Boot Agent Setup Program ======================================= Users can start the Boot Agent Setup Program by pressing the Ctrl+S keys during the POST (Power On Self Test). During initialization, the Boot Agent displays the following strings and waits for the number of seconds specified in the Prompt time option. "Initializing Intel PRO/100+ Boot Agent" "Press Ctrl+S to enter into the Setup Program" Setup Options ------------- The Boot Agent Setup program provides the following options to the user. Users can select values for these options with the use of arrows, Enter and Spacebar keys. Boot Protocol Option -------------------- The Boot Protocol option allows user to select either RPL (Remote Program Load) or PXE (Pre-Boot Execution Environment) as a Boot Protocol. The default value for this option is PXE protocol. Default Boot Option ------------------- This option allows users to choose either Network Adapter or Local Drive (Floppy drive or Hard drive), as a default boot device. The default value for this option is Network. In other words, the system will boot from the Network device (network adapter) by default. Local Boot Option ----------------- With the use of this option, users can either enable or disable the Local Boot. The Default Boot and Local Boot options allow users to configure the system in four different ways, listed below. Case 1: Default Boot Option = Network Local Boot Option = Enable In this case the Network will be the default boot device. If the Network device fails to boot the system, then the Local boot device will be used. Case 2: Default Boot Option = Local Local Boot Option = Enable In this case the Local boot device (either Floppy drive or Hard drive) will be used to boot the system. If the Local device fails to boot the system, then the Network device will be used. Case 3: Default Boot Option = Local Local Boot Option = Disable In this case the Network will be the only boot device. If the Network device fails to boot the system, it will give users an option to retry. Case 4: Default Boot Option = Network Local Boot Option = Disable In this case the Network will be the only boot device. If the Network device fails to boot the system, it will give users an option to retry. Prompt Time Option ------------------ During initialization, Boot Agent ROM waits for the number of seconds previously specified for this option before it tries to boot the system. It gives users time to press the Ctrl+S keys and start the Setup program. Aborting the Network Boot ========================= The Intel PRO/100+ Boot Agent will use the values selected with the Setup program and boot the System after the POST. If the System is booting from the Network the User can abort the boot operation in the following two ways. Network boot with the RPL protocol ---------------------------------- If the System is booting from the Network using the RPL as a protocol, user can abort the operation by pressing the HOME key. User has to press the HOME key before the control is given to the Bootstrap program. Network boot with the PXE protocol --------------------------------- If the System is booting from the Network using the PXE as a protocol, user can abort the operation by pressing either ESC or Ctrl+C keys. Installing the Boot Agent with FBOOT.EXE ======================================== FBOOT.EXE detects the supported Intel network adapters and presents the following options to the users. 1 Backup the current contents of the FLASH to a file. 2 Restore the previously stored file to the FLASH. 3 Upload the new FLASH image. Supported Environments ====================== RPL Limitations --------------- RPL Protocol supports remote boot from the Novell NetWare* 3.x and 4.x Servers and Microsoft NT* 4.0 Server. It boots the client system with the different version of DOS from the RPL Server. Moreover, It can be used to set up a new system with an operating system on its local Hard drive. PXE Limitations --------------- PXE protocol supports remote boot and remote setup of a new system from any PXE compliant servers. Known Bugs ---------- * RPL and PXE will not work with the Intel Adapters with the National 840 or 840A PHY. Disclaimer and Trademark Information ==================================== Copyright (C) 1998 Intel Corporation. All rights reserved. Intel Corporation, 5200 N.E. Elam Young Parkway, Hillsboro, Oregon 97124-6497 Intel Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this document. Nor does Intel make any commitment to update the information contained herein. This product has no warranty and is supplied "as-is." Other product and corporate names may be trademarks of other companies and are used only for explanation and to the owners' benefit, without intent to infringe.