Re: iPXE network booting (was Re: [GSOC 2020] Booting via network)

[Brice Waegeneire <brice@waegenei.re>]

Hello Giovanni,

On 2020-04-10 13:44, Giovanni Biscuolo wrote:
> 
> [...]
> 
> I never used iPXE but... please consider using iPXE (if possible) for
> Guix network booting and consider that this feature is a prerequisite
> for seamless remote desktop with Guix (using x2go or xrdp like the new
> LTSP is doing [1]) in addition to "diskless fat clients"; a very cool
> feature, I think :-D

Since the proposal has already been submitted I can't promise to add 
iPXE
support in the context of this GSoC, however I will keep it in mind when
implementing PXE booting. If I'm able to finish it early I'll look into
adding iPXE booting as a bonus.

> In addition to LAN booting, iPXE supports booting from:
> 
> * a web server via HTTP/HTTPS
> * an iSCSI SAN
> * a Fibre Channel SAN via FCoE
> * an AoE SAN
> * a wireless network
> * a wide-area network
> * an Infiniband network
> 
> inlcuding "code signing" to verify the authenticity and integrity of
> files downloaded by iPXE.
> 
> Users will have many interesting, configurable [2] and secure ways to
> boot Guix with iPXE :-D (imagine booting from a remote host connected
> via a wireguard network connection... could it be possible?!?)

Wow, that sounds cool. I would like to find out if it's possible too.

> 
> [...]
> 
> HTH! Thanks, Gio'

Yes it is helping, really, that was dense with information.

Cheers,
- Brice