Diskless Linux boot using ZFS, iSCSI and PXE
4 hours ago
- #iSCSI
- #netboot
- #Debian
- Author tests Unsloth models for Qwen3.6 and Gemma4 on gaming PC via remote boot to avoid Windows issues.
- Uses netboot over iSCSI to boot Linux from a network drive without disturbing Windows installation.
- Setup involves Debian server with Netboot.xyz, TFTP, DNSMasq, ZFS ZVol, and iSCSI target configuration.
- Configures Netboot.xyz with custom menus and iPXE scripts to boot Debian installer or OS from iSCSI.
- Sets up TFTP server for boot images and DNSMasq on router for PXE/iPXE boot redirection.
- Creates ZFS ZVol as iSCSI backstore and exports it via targetcli with authentication.
- Debian installer detects iSCSI disk after manual initiator name and authentication configuration.
- Installs Debian on iSCSI disk, partitions it, and completes setup, allowing remote boot on subsequent startups.