What exactly is a PXE server? In essence, a Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) server provides essential network resources to client computers, enabling them to boot from the network rather than their local storage devices (like SSDs, HDDs, or DVDs). This network boot process relies on services such as DHCP (or proxyDHCP) and TFTP. On the client side, PXE functionality is integrated into the PC’s UEFI firmware or, in older systems, through a Network Interface Card (NIC) BIOS extension. PXE booting is commonly used to initiate either a full operating system installation over the network (for systems like Windows or Linux) or to load a live OS environment, such as a Live Linux distribution. Once the initial PXE boot is complete, more efficient protocols like HTTP, SMB/CIFS, or NFS are utilized for faster data transfer.
Think of “PXE boot” as synonymous with “Network boot” and “PXE Install” as “Network install.”
Serva stands out as an Automated PXE Server Solution Accelerator. It’s built around a portable, all-in-one multi-server engine, incorporating:
- HTTP Server
- FTP Server
- TFTP Server
- TFTP Client
- DHCP Server
- proxyDHCP Server
- BINL Server
- DNS Server
- SNTP Server
- SYSLOG Server
Note: proxyDHCP service operates without requiring changes to your existing DHCP infrastructure. BINL Server serves as a Microsoft WAIK/ADK independent alternative to RIS and WDS.
Serva is a compact yet robust Microsoft Windows application, with a size of approximately 4 MB. It’s primarily designed as an Automated PXE Server Solution Accelerator. This means it consolidates all the necessary server protocols and services for even the most complex PXE network boot and installation scenarios into a single executable file. Serva is capable of simultaneously delivering both Windows and non-Windows resources to UEFI based systems (including ARM 32/64-bit UEFI now) and traditional BIOS systems.
Beyond standard PXE services, Serva includes proxyDHCP capabilities and provides an alternative to RIS (Remote Installation Services) and WDS (Windows Deployment Services) that doesn’t depend on WAIK (Windows Automated Install Kit) or ADK (Assessment and Deployment Kit). Serva is also exceptionally quick to set up for simpler, single-protocol tasks, acting as an HTTP, FTP, or TFTP server for straightforward file delivery.
Serva also integrates a Task Sequence Manager, which enables advanced functionalities such as capturing and deploying Windows PC images.
This application is designed for immediate use; it requires no installation process and doesn’t store settings in the Windows registry. Serva features a user-friendly and intuitive interface that guides users through its configuration options quickly and efficiently.
Developed as a native C/C++ multi-threaded application, Serva is known for its speed and efficiency. You can review its system requirements here.
To explore the full potential of Serva and its capabilities, delve into its comprehensive Application Notes, starting here.
