solaris 11, x86, netboot with grub

Philip Brown

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Jun 4, 2012, 12:21:51 PM6/4/12

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I have a situation where I need to install Solaris 11 over network, to an x86 box (specifically an x4100) , and I dont get to use PXE for it.

According to multiple web articles, such as
http://mail.opensolaris.org/pipermail/ug-msosug/2010-February/000348.html

it is possible to do this sort of thing with Solaris 10, with syntax such as:
title Solaris
ifconfig --address=192.168.0.2 --gateway=192.168.0.1
--mask=255.255.255.0 --server=192.168.123.110
root (nd)
kernel /multiboot.I86PC.Solaris_11-1 kernel/unix -B
install_media=192.168.123.110:/export/setje/boot_74L2
module /x86.miniroot

I'm trying to do this with solaris 11 now.. but not having much luck :(
I'm taking a simplified entry that I have seen working, from locations where I DO have pxe access, and attempted to just add the grub extras for "ifconfig" and the root line:
title sol11 netboot sxxy, ttya
ifconfig --server=x.x.x.x --mask=255.255.255.0 --gateway=x.x.x.x
--address=x.x.x.x
root (nd)
kernel /platform/i86pc/kernel/amd64/unix -B install_media=http://x.x.x.x:
5555/export/auto_install/solaris11-i386,console=ttya
module /platform/i86pc/amd64/boot_archive

It loads the boot_archive just fine.
But then it gets lost somewhere. It somehow loses the routing/nic information I have configured.

Clearly, the gateway info I gave it is correct, or it couldnt load the boot_archive. So, ..
Somehow, it's not passing the gateway information from grub, into the OS layer, perhaps?

The odd thing is, when it bails out complaining that
Downloading solaris.zlib
--2012-06-01 00:46:39-- http://x.x.x.x:5555/export/auto_install/solaris11-i386/solaris.zlib
Connecting to x.x.x.x:5555... failed: Network is unreachable.
It gives me an opportunity to drop into root prompt. And at that point, there is NO interface configured.

dladm show-phys recognizes the two nge and e1000g interfaces, but they are just not configured at all.

Any suggestions on how I might proceed from here?

Even suggestions on very grungy manual stuff would help. Normally, i would try just configuring the interface manualy, and running "suninstall".
But that doesnt exist any more. What is the Solaris 11 replacement for it?

Ian Collins

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Jun 4, 2012, 11:39:32 PM6/4/12

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On 06/ 5/12 04:21 AM, Philip Brown wrote:
> I have a situation where I need to install Solaris 11 over network, to an x86 box (specifically an x4100) , and I dont get to use PXE for it.

Use the ILOM and an install ISO. That's how I've done all my one off
installs.

--
Ian Collins

Philip Brown

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Jun 4, 2012, 11:52:58 PM6/4/12

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:( That lacks... something.
This should really be possible, particularly since it was possible under solaris 10. Seems like a bug needs to be filed.

Ian Collins

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Jun 5, 2012, 3:41:31 AM6/5/12

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All the deployments I've done recently have been one and twos and most
have been to unique hardware configurations. So the ILOM and text
install iso is the path of least resistance. If I had to install a
cluster of systems, I'd automate.

--
Ian Collins

Philip Brown

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Jun 11, 2012, 2:25:13 PM6/11/12

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On Monday, June 4, 2012 8:52:58 PM UTC-7, Philip Brown wrote:
>
> > > I have a situation where I need to install Solaris 11 over network, to an x86 box (specifically an x4100) , and I dont get to use PXE for it.
>

> This should really be possible, particularly since it was possible under solaris 10. Seems like a bug needs to be filed.

And so I did.

SR 3-5818828081

referencing the oracle-provided method for Solaris 10

http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/systems/articles/grub-boot-solaris-jsp-135325.html

If it was important enough to document for Solaris 10, it should be equally important for Solaris 11, after all.