Network Booting
Network booting is a process that allows a computer to boot from an operating system installed on a network server instead of using a local storage device. It offers flexibility in deploying and managing multiple operating systems across a networked environment.
With UEFI, network booting is supported through the use of a network stack, which is a part of the UEFI system partition. This enables modern operating systems to smoothly connect to network resources during the boot process. Additionally, UEFI offers features such as secure boot, which helps protect the computer system against unauthorized firmware and operating system loading.
In contrast, BIOS relies on the Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) standard for network booting. This allows the BIOS to communicate with the network card and obtain an IP address from a DHCP server. However, BIOS lacks the advanced features and security enhancements offered by UEFI.
When updating the computer system's firmware, UEFI provides a simplified and standardized process. It usually involves downloading the firmware update file from the manufacturer's website and using a built-in utility to install it. On the other hand, updating BIOS firmware often requires manually downloading the correct firmware version and creating a bootable USB or CD to perform the update.
Network booting is a valuable tool for organizations that need to centrally manage and deploy multiple operating systems on their network. Whether using UEFI or BIOS, it is essential to understand the differences and features associated with each. While BIOS provides basic network booting capabilities, UEFI offers a more robust and secure booting experience for modern computer systems. Keeping the firmware up-to-date is important for both UEFI and BIOS systems to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with the operating system.
