Client server method for loading a client with a specific image or utility based on the client's state

摘要

PXE Frame extension tags are used for remote boot loading client machines to afford servers deterministic ability for what image or utility the client requires based on its boot state. The invention takes advantage of the PXE frame by using the DHCP/PXE Vendor Tags for providing information to the PXE Server as to what image or boot process is required from the server by the client. This solution is targeted primarily, but not limited to, "media less" or "thin clients". The invention provides the client an ability to give a DHCP/PXE server more deterministic information about itself. The server can use this information (i.e. information contained within the Extension tags) to determine more precisely the client machine's boot state DHCP/PXE server code parseses the DHCP/PXE extension tags (contained within the DHCP/PXE data frame) and uses the POST error information and/or the Vital Product Data (VPD) to provide the client with a tailored boot image.