How to set PXE IPv6 boot server on Windows server2022?

Question

Hi all,

I am trying to set a PXE boot server for my work and expect it can support IPv4/6 PXE Boot.

I'm using the Windows server 2022.

Now I can successed POST by PXE ipv4 but ipv6

Here are the steps what I setting.

1. Install DHCP and WDS by using "Add roles and features" on win server2022.
2. setting static ipv4/4 IP
3. Add ipv4/6 range for DHCP

4 Setting boot.wim and install.wim at WDS

5. Setting the IPv4 Scope Option, option 60, 66, 67

With those setting PXE IPv4 is work but ipv6.

And I can not setting the same option under the IPv6 since there are not have those options.

Does any suggestion can help me setting the config to make the PXE ipv6 work?

Thanks a lot.

Answer 1

Hello Friends,

Thank you for reaching out with your query about setting up a PXE boot server that supports both IPv4 and IPv6 on Windows Server 2022. Here are some steps and suggestions that can help you configure your server to make PXE boot work with IPv6.

Steps to Set Up PXE IPv6 Boot on Windows Server 2022

1. Install DHCP and WDS:
   • You have correctly installed DHCP and WDS using the "Add Roles and Features" wizard on Windows Server 2022.
2. Configure Static IPs:
   • Ensure that both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses are statically assigned to your server.
3. Add IPv4/IPv6 Ranges in DHCP:
   • You have correctly added the IP ranges for both IPv4 and IPv6 in DHCP.
4. Configure Boot Images in WDS:
   • You have set up boot.wim and install.wim files in WDS.
5. Configure DHCP Options for IPv4:
   • You have set DHCP options 60 (PXEClient), 66 (Boot Server Host Name), and 67 (Bootfile Name) for IPv4, which is why PXE boot works for IPv4.

Configuring DHCP Options for IPv6

For IPv6, DHCP options differ, and you need to configure them accordingly. Unlike IPv4, IPv6 uses a different approach for PXE boot:

1. Configure DHCPv6:
   • In DHCP for IPv6, you need to set up options specific to IPv6 PXE boot.
2. Use Option 59 (Boot File URL):
   • DHCPv6 option 59 is used to specify the Boot File URL for PXE clients. You need to add this option in the IPv6 scope.
3. Configure WDS for IPv6:
   • Ensure that WDS is configured to listen on the IPv6 interface.
   • Open the WDS management console, right-click the server name, go to **Properties**, and then to the **DHCP** tab. Ensure that "Configure DHCP option 60 to indicate that this server is also a PXE server" is unchecked, as this is not applicable for IPv6.
   • Ensure that WDS is set to respond to all client computers (known and unknown).

Example Configuration for IPv6

1. Add DHCP Option 59:
   • Open the DHCP management console.
   • Expand your IPv6 scope, right-click on **Scope Options**, and choose **Configure Options**.
   • Check the box for **Option 59** and set the URL for the boot file (e.g., http://[your-server-ipv6-address]/bootfile.wim).
2. Enable and Configure WDS:
   • In the WDS management console, ensure that WDS is configured to respond to IPv6 clients.
   • You may need to adjust firewall settings to allow IPv6 traffic to the WDS server.

Additional Tips

• Firewall Settings: Ensure that the firewall is configured to allow traffic on ports used by WDS and DHCP.
• Network Configuration: Verify that the network infrastructure (switches, routers) supports IPv6 and is correctly configured.

Troubleshooting

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If the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

• Check Server Logs: Examine the logs on the WDS and DHCP servers for any error messages related to IPv6 PXE boot.
• Test Network Connectivity: Ensure that the PXE client can communicate with the server over IPv6.
• Update Firmware: Ensure that the PXE client's firmware supports IPv6 PXE boot.

I hope this helps you configure your PXE boot server to support IPv6. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to reach out.

Best regards,

Rosy

Answer 2

Hi Rosy,

Thanks a lot for your help.

Following your suggestion add option 59 for DHCP v6 that is work.

Now I can boot to PXE both of IPv4/6.

Again presenting my gratitude!

Best Regrads,

Sean

Answer 3

You're welcome! if you have any further question, feel free to contact us~