This document outlines the process involved in installing a Kusu node.

PXE Boot

Obtain an IP

Each node is configured to boot from its network cards. The DHCP server running on the master node will assign an IP to the nodes as they come up. IPs are only assigned if the addhost program on the master node is currently waiting for new nodes or if the node has already been added in the past.
The node will then download its PXE configuration which contain further instructions.

Existing package-based nodes

If this is a package-based node installed previously and it's simply power cycling, its PXE configuration file will instruct the node to boot from its local disk.
If the node is to be re-installed, the node is instructed obtain a kernel and initrd from the master. The process then continues like a fresh install.

Fresh install

If this is a fresh install, the node will download a kernel and initrd, then proceed with obtaining the Node Installation Information (NII). This is similar for diskless and imaged nodes.

Download Node Installation Information

The node accesses from the master via HTTP the Node Installation Information (NII). This information dictates what the node should install and how to configure itself.

Begin installation

Package based install

Anaconda is launched with a kickstart file prepared from the NII. The packages are downloaded from the master during installation.

Diskless or Imaged install

Images are downloaded from the master. The node configures itself according to the NII it received.