[gPXE-devel] IBM netboot, large network, and KVM virtualization issues

[Shao Miller]

Jarrod Johnson wrote:
> Since 1.0.0 is in rc phase, thought I'd mention three issues I've been 
> patching in my usage.
>
> One is that on IBM firmware (not BBS compliant), there is a way of 
> working better with boot order via hooking int18 instead of int19 (as 
> well as a few other changes.  I have attached the patch I use, it does 
> the following:
> -Does not save off BIOS handlers (simply because they are never used 
> in this case)
> -Hooks int18 instead of int19
> -Exits via iret rather than calling int18/int19
> -saves and restores registers
> Note that I am not in a position to evaluate where besides IBM 
> firmware BBS is not available.  I ask that if there is concern over 
> other non-BBS systems having a problem with this, that someone make 
> this controllable via a config/general.h flag, analogous to how it was 
> done in etherboot...

I wonder if a gPXE-specific DHCP setting might make sense here.  A DHCP 
service can then provide the option to IBM computers, or others.  We'd 
have to handle the setting and choose the correct exit path, of course.

Disclaimer: All claims and opinions are solely those of myself and do 
not and should not be perceived as representing the Etherboot nor the 
gPXE projects in any way.  Thank you for your understanding.

- Shao Miller