System Requirements for Server Purposing

System Requirements for Server Purposing

This section describes system requirements for computers according to their role in an Automated Deployment Services (ADS) deployment.

Requirements for Computers That Host ADS Services

• One to three x86-based computers to host the Controller service, Network Boot Services, and Image Distribution service. ADS is not supported on Itanium-based computers.

  Note

  It is recommended that you initially install and test ADS services on a single server. See Installing Automated Deployment Services in the ADS product documentation on using multiserver configurations.

• One or more processors with a recommended minimum speed of 1 gigahertz (GHz).

• English, Japanese, or German version of Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition and installation CD.

  Note

  ADS 1.1 is also supported on the 64-bit version of Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition.

• A hard disk partition or volume with 5 gigabytes (GB) free space to accommodate the setup process, plus enough free disk space for captured images.

• 256 megabytes (MB) of RAM recommended minimum (128 MB minimum supported, 32 GB maximum).

• For computers with more than 4 GB of RAM, be sure to confirm hardware compatibility by clicking the appropriate link in Support Resources in the product documentation.

• Volume licensing (with a single product ID) for the software in the images you want to install on the devices is recommended.

• VGA or higher-resolution monitor (Super VGA 800x600 or higher recommended), keyboard, and (optionally) a mouse or other pointing device.

• As an alternative, for operation without a monitor or keyboard, you can choose a remote diagnostic and support processor that is designed for products in the Windows Server 2003 family. For more information about hardware compatibility, click the appropriate link in Support Resources.

For CD-ROM installation:

• A CD-ROM or DVD drive.

For network installation:

• One or more network adapters and related cables that are designed for products in the Windows Server 2003 family. For more information about hardware compatibility, click the appropriate link in Support Resources.
• A server from which to offer network access for the Setup files.

Requirements for Computers Used to Remotely Administer ADS

You can install the ADS volume imaging tools, administration tools, and documentation on a separate x86-based computer and use that workstation to remotely administer ADS. The workstation must run the English, Japanese, or German version of one of the following operating systems:

• Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional with SP 4 or later
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Server with SP 4 or later
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server with SP 4 or later
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional with SP 1 or later
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition

Note

You cannot run the Sequence Editor on Windows 2000 Server and Windows XP without first installing .NET Framework 1.1 from the Microsoft Web site. The required version of .NET Framework 1.1 is included by default in the Windows Server 2003 family.

Requirements for Computers Used As Devices

You can use ADS to manage x86-based computers used as devices. These computers must meet the following requirements:

• The Administration Agent must be installed on the device.
• The device must run one of the following operating systems:
  • Windows 2000 Server with SP 4 or later
  • Windows 2000 Advanced Server with SP 4 or later
  • Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
  • Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
  • Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
• The device must have a Pre-boot Execution (PXE) version 0.99c or later enabled network adapter.

Note

If you are using the following servers as devices, you must update the BIOS to correctly boot to the Deployment Agent:

• Dell PowerEdge 2650 servers require BIOS version A08 dated Dec 31, 2002 or later.
• Compaq/Hewlett Packard ProLiant DL360 G2 servers require a BIOS update from the Systems ROMPaq Firmware Upgrade Diskette for ProLiant DL360 G2 (P26) Servers version 4.06 P26-02/07/2003 (13 Mar 03) maintenance release.

Without the BIOS updates, the system fails to enumerate the network adapter that is sending Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)/PXE packets when remotely booted.

Requirements for Computers in a Network

• Using ADS assumes that you have a well-connected networking environment with 100 Mbps or faster connectivity among the Controller service, Image Distribution Service (IDS), Network Boot Services (NBS), and managed devices.
• All devices in the network must reside in the same multicast domain as the IDS and in the same broadcast domain as the ADS PXE service and DHCP server.
• All services and devices must be connected to the same network. If the ADS services are installed on separate servers, they must communicate over the same network adapter to access the devices on the network.
• The server running the DHCP service can be an existing server running the DHCP service in the test network. The DHCP service can also be installed on the computer that is running the Controller service. The DHCP service software comes with Windows 2000 Advanced Server or Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition.