RIS Server fails on switch

[SelbyGlenn]

Hi there,

I have a RIS server which is used to build workstations via a network boot. If I place a network bootable PC on a hub with the RIS server, it finds the RIS server every time. If however I place the RIS server and workstation on a switch, the workstation fails to find the RIS server. I believe the BootP protocol is being used. How do I enable this protocol to work on switches??

Thanks in advance, Glenn
BEng A+ MCSE CCA

 

[marks66]

Hi,

If you are using a Cisco switch, by defalt portfast is not enabled. With this setting the PC can take several minutes to get link, by this time the bootp/dhcp request could timeout.

On CATOS Swtiches "set spanntree portfast enable"
On Cisco IOS Switches "spanning-tree portfast"


I set portfast enable for all ethernet ports connecting to PCs,Servers,Printers & LAPTOPS. Don't set enable for switch trunks, hubs etc.

Cheers

Mark

 

[schd]

Hi

When having problems with clients which boot very fast like PXE Clients whith RIS you could use the CatOS command "set port host" to tune all parameters at the same time.

To optimize the port configuration, the set port host command sets channel mode to off, enables spanning tree PortFast, sets the trunk mode to off, and disables the dot1q tunnel feature. Only an end station can accept this configuration.
Because spanning tree PortFast is enabled, you should enter the set port host command only on ports connected to a single host. Connecting hubs, concentrators, switches, and bridges to a fast-start port can cause temporary spanning tree loops.
Enable the set port host command to decrease the time it takes to start up packet forwarding.

Daniel

 

[baddos]

If this is in a layer3 vlan environment, he might have his dhcp/bootp requests going to the wrong server or not going anywhere.

In a layer3 environment, you need to enable the ip helper-address xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx on the vlan in question if your server is in a separate vlan.