# Introduction

Overview

Product Contents

Operating Environment

Remote Boot-related Resources

| NOTE: For Intel® PRO/1000 MT Desktop Adapters based on the 82540EM controller, Intel® PRO/1000 PT Server Adapters, Intel® PRO/1000 PT Desktop Adapters, and Intel® PRO/1000 PF Server Adapters, you must use IBAUtil.exe for all Intel® Boot Agent configuration tasks.

## Overview

The Intel Boot Agent is a software product that allows your networked client computer to boot using a program code image supplied by a remote server. PC vendors can implement the Intel Boot Agent to accommodate various environments and protocols.

Implementation Support for the Intel Boot Agent:

- Multi-protocol boot ROM code designed for remote booting from Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet Adapters (PXE-only support on 10 Gigabit Ethernet Adapters), as well as LOM implementations.

- Complies with the Pre-boot eXecution Environment (PXE) Version 2.1 Specification.

- Some versions of the Intel Boot Agent also include support for Remote Program Load (RPL) runtime and loader software.

Important Features Offered by the Intel Boot Agent:

- Same user interface for Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet Adapters.

- Compliant with the Wired for Management Baseline (WfM) 2.0 specification.

- Compatible with legacy boot agent environments that use BOOTP protocol.

- Customizable in pre-boot, Windows*, and DOS environments.

## Product Contents

When you purchase an Intel WfM-compatible adapter, the product package includes the following items related to the Intel Boot Agent:

- A Intel Boot Agent software image integrated into the desktop adapter's flash ROM device. Must be added and enabled to server adapters.

- A CD-ROM containing a set of DOS utilities, this online Intel® Boot Agent User's Guide, and a readme file.

This software and documentation as well as updates are available by visiting the Intel Customer Support website.

## Operating Environment

The Intel Boot Agent operates in a client/server environment. Often, in this environment, one or more servers provide remote boot services to a large number of client computers through a common network. The computer system where the Intel Boot Agent is loaded is considered to be a client with respect to the remote boot capability even if that system acts as a server after the system has finished booting.

## Remote Boot-related Resources

An extensive list of hardware and software manufacturers provide products that support remote boot technology, conforming either to the Wired for Management (WfM) specifications or the PXE/ RPL/BOOTP/DHCP protocols. These products are compatible with the Intel Boot Agent and include operating systems and servers, in addition to other boot-related products. For a listing of boot-related products of which Intel is currently aware, perform the following steps:

1. Access Intel Customer Support's website.

2. Click the Search button.

3. Enter Boot Agent as your search string, and indicate that you want to search through all types of documents.

4. Click Intel(R) Boot Agent - Top Technical Issues to select the Intel Boot Agent Home page.

5. Under the General Information section, click Where can I find out about other remote boot resources?

6. Select the desired links for the remote boot-related resources of your choice.

`Last modified on 9/19/05 2:55p Revision 6`