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Deployment planning 16
Configuration methods
For Solaris deployments, use of JumpStart profiles and sysidcfg(4) files is the recommended method of
supplying installation configuration for automated deployments.
Software delivery methods
• NFS—The traditional method of delivering the Solaris software packages to clients. The packages
are provided in the same form as they appear on the Solaris media. Additional packages that are
not a part of the Solaris distribution, such as the Smart Array driver, can also be delivered through
NFS. Setting up an NFS installation image offers flexibility in the variety of installation configurations
that a single image can support.
• Flash Archive—A portable, flexible image of a reference installation. A flash archive enables you to
clone a master system to any number of additional systems. The clones can be made to mirror not
only the Solaris operating environment and configuration of the master system, but also any
additional third-party applications that might be necessary. In addition, differential archives can be
employed to simplify clone upgrades.
Flash archives are useful for environments in which a large number of systems must be almost
identically deployed, including software that is not part of the Solaris distribution. For more
information, see Solaris 10 11/06: Solaris Flash Archives (Creation and Installation) at
http://docs.sun.com/app/docs/doc/819-6398.
Flash archives can be used with any of the boot methods previously described.
Implementing a PXE boot-based deployment
PXE boot-based deployments require the following:
• Install server
• JumpStart server
• Modified miniroot
• DHCP/PXE server
Use the following procedure outline as a basis for implementing PXE boot-based deployments in the target
environment:
1. Prepare the install server as described in “Install server preparation.”
2. Prepare the miniroot as described in “Miniroot preparation.”
3. Prepare the JumpStart server as described in “JumpStart preparation.”
4. Prepare the DHCP/PXE server as described in “DHCP/PXE preparation.”
5. To deploy Solaris using PXE boot:
a. Add the client to the install server as described in “DHCP/PXE preparation.”
b. PXE boot the client by booting the server and pressing F12 when prompted during POST.