Overview of AXD Configurations
You can install and run AXD in a variety of ways, so it’s important that you choose the
method that best suits your needs.
There are several AXD configuration options, each with advantages and disadvantages:
Option
Considerations
Host a NetBoot server
Advantages:
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Don’t need to install AXD on an internal volume on the Xserve or
on a portable storage device
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Can test multiple Xserves using the same AXD install image
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Allows you to use AXD EFI tools
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You can start up AXD tools without an input device connected to
the Xserve (if you have access to the Xserve’s front panel)
Disadvantages:
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Requires a server to host NetBoot service and the AXD install
image
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Xserve must be on the same subnet as the NetBoot server
Install AXD EFI tools on an
internal volume
Advantages:
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Allows you to use AXD EFI tools
Disadvantages:
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Requires physical access to the Xserve
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Requires a volume on the Xserve that has 15 megabytes (MB) free
and that doesn’t have Mac OS X or Mac OS X Server installed
Install AXD EFI tools on a
portable storage device
Advantages:
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Allows you to use AXD EFI tools
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You can use the same portable storage device to test multiple
Xserves
Disadvantages:
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Requires physical access to the Xserve
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Requires a volume on the portable storage device that has 15 MB
free and that doesn’t have Mac OS X or Mac OS X Server installed
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Portable storage device must be physically connected to the
Xserve
Start up the AXD EFI tools
located on the
Admin Tools and
Xserve Diagnostics
CD
Advantages:
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Allows you to use AXD EFI tools
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You can use the same CD to test multiple Xserves
Disadvantages:
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Requires physical access to the Xserve
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CD must be inserted in the Xserve
6
Chapter 1
Overview and Requirements
Requirements
Before you can run AXD, you must meet general, storage device, and local and remote
requirements.
If you want to host AXD on a NetBoot server, additional requirements must be met by
the NetBoot server.