Telestra

Diskless

Multi–level security requirements are a challenge for disk–based simulation and training systems. Managing the security of removable media in a large exercise is a daunting and time–consuming task. ASTi has created a version of Telestra that supports diskless operation. With ASTi tools, users can create boot images that are burned on DVD's or uploaded to the customer's network boot server.

Diskless operation offers several advantages:

  • Ends cold starting individual platforms, new software loads are incorporated into the boot image.
  • Incorporates spares easily; simply update the DHCP file with the new mac address.
  • Eliminates mechanical failure associated with removable replacement of hard drive cartridges.

Option 1: Boot over the Network

Add additional security to your Telestra server by having it boot, load and run models fully embedded and without a hard drive using server/client architecture. The server supports unlimited clients and contains a list of all valid clients. Only clients on the validated list are able to download from the server. The server has a unique model for each client. The clients operate without a hard drive downloading the software and model over the network into local memory. After the download is complete, the model will automatically start on the client machine providing audio and communications. When the client is powered off all of the software packages are erased from memory.

How it Works

The Telestra servers utilize the Intel standard PXE (Pre-Execution Environment) to boot from a network server. Telestra servers can boot from any server that provides the following:

  • TFTP
  • DHCP
  • SSH/SCP

The network diskless operation follows the following boot sequence:

  • The Client sends out DHCP request.
  • The Server sends out DHCP response with IP address, TFTP server address, and bootloader filename.
  • The Client downloads (TFTP) bootloader and bootloader config file.
  • The Client downloads (TFTP) kernel and initial ramdisk based on bootloader config file.

Note: PXE diskless operation is compatible with Red Hat 6 and earlier. For iSCSI or Red Hat 7 diskless operation, contact ASTi at support@asti-usa.com.

Option 2: Boot from a DVD

A set of ASTi tools are used to create the boot images that are burned onto a DVD. The client boots from a DVD instead of over a network connection. The DVD boot image contains the communications software and model.

Option 3: Boot from a Combination of Over the Network and DVD

This combination diskless option utilizes both the network server option and the DVD image option. The boot image from a DVD is used to download the operating system and runtime environment. Then the client downloads the model and configuration information over network from the server.