Chapter 24. Choose your installation boot method on IBM accelerated servers

You can either boot the Red Hat Enterprise Linux installation from a USB device or through the network.

24.1. Configuring Petitboot for network installation

After the system powers on, the Petitboot bootloader scans local boot devices and network interfaces to find boot options that are available to the system. To install Red Hat Enterprise Linux from a network server, you need to set up a network interface (that is not the BMC network interface).

Set up a network connection and provide the network boot detail to Petitboot by following these steps:

  1. Connect an Ethernet cable to the second Ethernet port on the back of your system. Connect the other end to your network.
  2. On the Petitboot main screen, select c to configure your system options.

  3. In the Network field of the configuration screen, enter your network information:

    1. Select your network type
    2. Select your network device (remember the interface name and mac address)
    3. Specify your IP/mask, Gateway, and DNS server (remember these setting as you will need them in the next step)
    4. Select OK to return to the main menu.
  4. Back on the Petitboot main screen, select n to create new options.

  5. Choose your boot device or select to Specify paths/URLs manually and then enter your boot options:

    1. In the Kernel field, enter the path to the kernel. This field is mandatory. Enter a URL similar to this one for a network: 

      http://<http_server_ip>/ppc/ppc64/vmlinuz

    2. In the Initrd field, enter the path to the init ramdisk. Enter a URL similar to this one for a network: 

      http://<http_server_ip>/ppc/ppc64/initrd.img

    3. In the Boot parameter field, set up the set up the repository path and the IP address of the server where the operating system is installed. For example: 

      inst.repo=http://<http_server_ip>/<path> ifname=<ethernet_interface_name>:<mac_addr> ip=<os ip>::<gateway>:<2 digit mask>:<hostname>:<ethernet_interface_name>:none nameserver=<name_server>

      You can accept the defaults for the rest of the fields.

  6. After you set your netboot options, select OK and press Enter.
  7. On the Petitboot main window, select User Item 1 as your boot option and press Enter.

24.2. Configuring Petitboot for installation with USB device on accelerated servers

After the system powers on, the Petitboot bootloader scans local boot devices and network interfaces to find boot options that are available to the system. For information about creating a bootable USB device, see Creating a bootable DVD or CD.

Use one of the following USB devices:

  • USB attached DVD player with a single USB cable to stay under 1.0 Amps
  • 8 GB 2.0 USB flash drive

Follow these steps to configure Petitboot:

  1. Insert your bootable USB device into the front USB port. Petitboot displays the following: 

    [USB: sdb1 / 2015-10-30-11-05-03-00]

    Rescue a Red Hat Enterprise Linux system (64-bit kernel)
    Test this media & install Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8  (64-bit kernel)

  *  Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 (64-bit kernel)
    Note

    Select Rescan devices if the USB device does not appear. If your device is not detected, you may have to try a different type.

  2. Record the UUID of the USB device. For example, the UUID of the USB device in the above example is 2015-10-30-11-05-03-00.
  3. Select Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 (64-bit kernel) and press e (Edit) to open the Petitboot Option Editor window.

  4. Move the cursor to the Boot arguments section and add the following information: 

           inst.text inst.stage2=hd:UUID=your_UUID
       where your_UUID is the UUID that you recorded.
       Petitboot Option Editor
qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq

                     Device:    ( ) sda2 [f8437496-78b8-4b11-9847-bb2d8b9f7cbd]
                                     (*) sdb1 [2015-10-30-11-05-03-00]
                                     ( ) Specify paths/URLs manually

                     Kernel:         /ppc/ppc64/vmlinuz
                     Initrd:         /ppc/ppc64/initrd.img
                     Device tree:
                     Boot arguments: ro inst.text inst.stage2=hd:UUID=2015-10-30-11-05-03-00

                        [    OK    ]  [   Help   ]  [  Cancel  ]
  5. Select OK to save your options and return to the Main menu.
  6. Verify that Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 (64-bit kernel) is selected and then press Enter to begin your installation.