Netbooting is equivalent to thin client setup?

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Level 1

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Netbooting is equivalent to thin client setup?

If I setup a server based bootable system image on a latest Mac Mini Snow Server, and my Intel Mac boots off of this image, would this be equivalent to using the iMac as a thin client? If yes, would this work well over a 802.11n network (vs. a wired, Ethernet network)?

Thanks,
Kenneth

MacBook Pro IC2D 2.16Ghz 2GB, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jan 2, 2010 11:43 PM

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Answer 1

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foilpan

Level 4

1,385 points

Jan 3, 2010 9:20 AM in response to marconey

it would be close. if you leave the internal disk on the client machine, users can save data to it.

i wouldn't use 802.11n for netboot clients. it may work, but at some point you'll likely experience network dropouts, which would be like pulling the plug on a netbooted system. for the most reliable results, you'll want at least 100 base-t or greater ethernet. you don't necessarily have to reqire your whole home for this. depending on the number of machines involved, you might only need a few runs from a decent switch in the middle.

again, while it's technically possible with recent macs (like the macbook air), i don't recommend netbooting over wireless.

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Answer 2

marconey Author

Level 1

100 points

Jan 3, 2010 5:46 PM in response to foilpan

So from this, it is to be gathered that NetBoot is something exclusively meant for stationary Macs it's not even an option with regards to mobile Macs? If I want to manage mobile Macs such as MacBook Pros etc. that are wireless by design what would be the ideal way? I would assume Portable Home Directories?

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Answer 3

foilpan

Level 4

1,385 points

Jan 3, 2010 6:45 PM in response to marconey

yes, if you're looking to manage these machines, you'd use either portable homes or local homes with mcx set at the computer level.

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