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tags:
  - linux
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The NBP is a bootloader that is obtained via the network typically via [[TFTP]]. It handles setting up an environment in which an OS can run or install. For example, it displays a boot menu and downloads the kernel images. It sets up hardware, for example the [[NIC]]s.

PXE boot process:
1. Modified [[DHCP]] request: request to include boot information (PXE boot request).
2. Process DHCP response which includes an IP address of [[TFTP]] server and filename of [[NBP]].
3. Download NBP over TFTP.
4. NBP executes
	1. Loads additional stuff over network, like kernel images.
	2. Handles the boot menu
5. Kernel takes over boot process and potentially downloads additional files required to complete booting.

Popular NBP's:
- PXELINUX
- iPXE
- GRUB2