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Configure PXE Boot

Overview

The set_pxe_boot.yml playbook uses the iDRAC Redfish API to set the boot source override on target nodes, ensuring they boot from PXE on the next restart to retrieve the diskless image from the OIM.

Caution

This playbook restarts the target servers and powers on servers that are currently off.
Running workloads may be interrupted, and any unsaved data could be lost.
Ensure all critical workloads are gracefully stopped and any important data is saved before executing this playbook.

Prerequisites

  • The Provision Nodes procedure is complete.
  • Dell iDRAC BMCs must be reachable from the OIM.
  • PXE boot order is set/enabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings of the target nodes.
  • PXE support is enabled in the NIC firmware.
  • iDRAC firmware supports the Boot Source Override API (iDRAC9 and later).
  • The OIM server providing the PXE boot image is reachable by the target nodes.

Inventory setup

Create an inventory file with a bmc group containing the BMC IP addresses of the target nodes:

Example: inventory
[bmc]
172.17.107.43
172.17.107.44
172.17.107.45

Note

The inventory must contain a bmc group with at least one BMC IP address.

Procedure

Mode 1: With inventory file — Configure PXE boot for specific nodes:

Run on: omnia_core container
cd /omnia/utils
ansible-playbook set_pxe_boot.yml -i inventory

Mode 2: Without inventory file — Configure PXE boot for all nodes in the PXE mapping file:

Run on: omnia_core container
cd /omnia/utils
ansible-playbook set_pxe_boot.yml

Verification

  1. Verify the playbook completed without failures in the Ansible run summary (failed=0).

Troubleshooting

  • Setting PXE boot order manually in BIOS: If the Redfish API call fails or the node does not honor the boot source override, set the PXE boot order manually:

    1. Restart the node and enter BIOS/UEFI setup (typically F2 during POST on Dell servers).
    2. Navigate to Boot Settings > Boot Sequence.
    3. Move the NIC/PXE entry to the top of the boot order.
    4. Save changes and exit (F10 or equivalent) to restart the node.

  • Checking iDRAC license: The Boot Source Override API requires an iDRAC Enterprise or Datacenter license.

    If the license does not support Redfish Boot Source Override, upgrade the iDRAC license or configure PXE boot order manually in BIOS.

  • Checking iDRAC connectivity: If the OIM cannot reach the BMC, verify network connectivity before re-running the playbook:

    Run on: OIM host
    ping -c 4 <idrac_ip>
curl -k -I https://<idrac_ip>/redfish/v1

    If the ping or curl request fails, verify the iDRAC IP address, the BMC network cabling/VLAN, and that the iDRAC network interface is enabled.

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