Best Practice
Network Based Installation of Customized Windows Operating Systems & User Applications
Abstract
There is a need in large scale testbeds to install a test package on a periodic basis on to a huge number of nodes say for example more than 50 odd nodes(there is no hard limit). Manual installation leads to error prone, placing DVD/ISO in the respective nodes and later providing subsequent relevant details making the whole installation process to be more time consuming. Network based installation is accomplished without manual intervention using Microsoft technologies like WDS (Windows Deployment Service) plus MDT (Microsoft Development Kit) enables to deploy customized Windows Operating Systems & User Applications over the network reducing the complexity and cost, eliminating the need to install each operating system directly from a CD or DVD, exploiting the benefit of multicast feature leading to simultaneous installations, and allowing the PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) boot in the respective nodes communicating to the target WDS server to initiate the installation process after obtaining the dynamic IP address to copy the required images.
Drawbacks/Approach
Below table indicates the steps/operations involved in the generic installation process, how the current installation is sought and how the improved process shall be accomplished.
How Network installation is accomplished?
The network installation is accomplished using Microsoft WDS plus MDT framework. The nodes to be installed with windows OS and the application software are configured in the one single subnet. A Windows node configured with WDS+MDT is also placed in the same subnet which acts as a DHCP server. The network is configured with additional node wherein customized windows OS and required application software to be installed also placed. To be precise, a dedicated WDS+MDT configured with DHCP server and also a windows based server where in customized windows OS software and desired application software is placed.
Topology used for Network installation
Below diagram shows the topology and used for network installation
Sequence of operations performed in network based installation
Conclusion
As mentioned in above sections, clicking just F12 completes the install operation for simultaneous nodes using MS WDT + MDT framework.
References & Appendix
Author Biography
Author: Jayashree Balakrishnan
Jayashree Balakrishnan is working as Architect in Honeywell since 13 years. Her current role is to work with application development and product architecture experience.
Co-author 1:
Santosh Ayodhya: Working in Honeywell and has experience of 11 years at Honeywell, current designation is Project Lead and responsible for automation and simulation deliverables for various lines of business. Completed B.E in Electronics & Communication Engineering and Six Sigma green belt certified.
Co-author 2:
Nibedita Dashis working as Tech Lead in Honeywell since 7.5 years. Her current role is to work with different project teams to identify and build test automation and simulation solutions for standalone, web applications. She has completed her B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering, Six Sigma green belt certified.
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