Apple Xserve Diagnostics 3X104 - Overview of AXD Configurations

Overview of AXD Configurations

You can install and run AXD tools in a variety of ways, so choose the method that best
suits your needs. There are several options, each with advantages and disadvantages:

Option

Considerations

Host a NetBoot server

Advantages:

You can use AXD EFI tools

You don’t need to install AXD tools on an
internal volume on the Xserve or on a portable
storage device

You can use a single AXD install image to test
multiple Xserve computers

You can start up AXD tools without an input
device connected to the Xserve (if you have
access to the Xserve front panel)

Disadvantages:

You need physical access to the Xserve

You need a server to host NetBoot service and
the AXD install image

The Xserve must be on the same subnet as the
NetBoot server

Install AXD EFI tools on an internal volume

Advantages:

You can use AXD EFI tools

You don’t need a portable storage device

Disadvantages:

You need physical access to the Xserve

You need a volume on the Xserve that has
30 megabytes (MB) free and doesn’t have
Mac OS X or Mac OS X Server installed

Install AXD EFI tools on a portable storage device Advantages:

You can use AXD EFI tools

You can use the same portable storage device
to test multiple Xserve computers

Disadvantages:

You need physical access to the Xserve

You need a volume on the portable storage
device that has 30 MB free and that doesn’t
have Mac OS X or Mac OS X Server installed

The portable storage device must be physically
connected to the Xserve

Chapter 1

Overview and Requirements

Chapter 1

Overview and Requirements

Option

Considerations

Start up the AXD EFI tools located on the Admin
Tools disc

Advantages:

You can use AXD EFI tools

You can use the same disc to test multiple
Xserve computers

Disadvantages:

You need physical access to the Xserve

You must insert the disc in the Xserve

You can’t save logs or take screen shots

Install AXD Mac OS X tools on an internal volume Advantages:

You can use AXD Mac OS X tools

You don’t need physical access to Xserve to
run AXD Mac OS X tools remotely (if you have
Apple Remote Desktop)

Disadvantages:

You need an empty volume on the Xserve with
7 GB free

You must install Mac OS X Server on the empty
volume

Install AXD Mac OS X tools on a portable storage
device

Advantages:

You can use AXD Mac OS X tools

You can use a single portable storage device to
test multiple Xserve computers

Disadvantages:

You need an empty volume on the portable
storage device with 7 GB free

You must install Mac OS X Server on the empty
volume

The portable storage device must be physically
connected to the Xserve

Requirements

Before you can run AXD tools, you must meet general, storage device, and local and
remote requirements.

Apple Xserve Diagnostics 3X104 - Overview of AXD Configurations

Apple Xserve Diagnostics 3X104 - Overview of AXD Configurations

Apple Xserve Diagnostics 3X104 > Overview of AXD Configurations

Apple Xserve Diagnostics 3X104