PXE boot problem

[myersn024]

Here's the deal. For some reason, I can't image computers with PRO/1000 NIC cards using PXE boot in the building where my office is. Computers with PRO/100 NIC cards aren't a problem. If I got to any other building, including other buildings on the same VLAN as my office, they image fine.

What happens during the PXE boot is that everything goes fine up until the imaging engine tries to obtain an IP address from the DHCP server. It will fail everytime. But like I said, this only happens with computers that have gigabit NIC cards and only in my building.

Any ideas?

TIA,
Nick

 

[marvhuffaker]

Sometimes when you see problems like that, it's because the switch isn't turning the port on soon enough for ZEN to get the info before it times out. This happens on Cisco switches with portfast disabled. Not sure if that may have something to do with your problem, but if it works in one building and not the other, I have to be suspicious of the infrastructure.

Marvin Huffaker, MCNE

http://www.redjuju.com

 

[myersn024]

I'm sure it is an infrastructure problem, but I don't deal with that side of our network. I was just trying to see if anyone out there might have an idea. And, it just so happens that the switches in our building at Cisco switches. I'll get our Cisco guy to take a look and see what he finds. Thanks for the help.

 

[marvhuffaker]

Generally you know the problem is occurring if you look at the port switch you are plugged into during the PXE boot process. If it's Amber for 30-45 seconds, you've just found your problem.

Marvin Huffaker, MCNE

http://www.redjuju.com

 

[myersn024]

I'll look at that first thing tomorrow.

 

[myersn024]

Turning on portfast made all the difference. Thanks.