Is it possible to use a SCCM 2012 Distribution Point as a fileserver for an iPXE system?
I am not too familiar with the concepts of SCCM DPs, I mainly understand their use, not their technical limitations. I understand they're used as mirrors for SCCM packages, but I couldn't find how exactly they serve the packages.
iPXE supports HTTP (my main hope), NFS, iSCSI SAN, FCoE and AoE SAN. Would there be any possibility for the SCCM DP to server files using one of these protocols?
Also, is there a way to use the load balancing capabilities of SCCM when simply accessing the files via one of these protocols? I'm using PHP scripts to create the iPXE configuration files, so maybe there's a way to access load data?
Best Answer
Hmm, after looking at iPXE's documentation on this, I think I see what you're trying to do.
First, using an SCCM Operating System Deployment (OSD) works like this: A custom WindowsPE image is created that boots up to an SCCM GUI that lets you select from a number of task sequences, or optionally just start running a specific task sequence.
This PE image can be deployed via PXE, using the SCCM PXE Service Point, A separate WDS server, or probably any decent PXE server(unconfirmed). The PE Image can also be turned into an ISO for burning to a CD/DVD, or converting to a USB.
This PE image can sometimes be rather large, and iPXE makes an interesting (though probably exaggerated) claim that on a gig connection a 200MB iPXE image can download in ~2 seconds. I'm skeptical, but even at 10 times that speed, I think it would blow he standard method (TFTP) out of the water, though it needs to be tested.
Anyway, I said that the image can be deployed from other places besides the SCCM PXE Service point, and that's correct. iPXE wants you to copy a modified version of the PE image to a web server, not necessarily a distribution point. DPs only deploy files to sccm clients, with few exceptions. At this stage in the boot process, however, I don't believe it's possible, although DPs in 2012 do in fact require IIS to be installed.
iPXE provides instructions for the process on their website, the only thing I would do different after giving it a brief overview is use the powershell dism cmdlets to modify the boot image. I see no reason why imageX wouldn't work, it's just a matter of personal preference.
Realize an SCCM DP is not a traditional webserver, and I wouldn't set it up as such. You could keep the files on your DP and configure IIS to serve them up, which may or may not be a risk depending on your environment.