(x86 only): Verify that your system supports PXE.

If you want to install an x86 based system over the network, confirm that your machine can use PXE to boot without local boot media.

If your x86 based system does not support PXE, you must boot the system from a local DVD or CD.

Check your hardware manufacturer's documentation or the system BIOS.

Choose an installation method.

The Solaris OS provides several methods for installation or upgrade. Choose the installation method that is most appropriate for your environment.

Choosing a Solaris Installation Method in Solaris Express Installation Guide: Planning for Installation and Upgrade

Gather information about your system.

Use the checklist and complete the worksheet to collect all of the information that you need to install or upgrade.

Chapter 5, Gathering Information Before Installation or Upgrade (Planning), in Solaris Express Installation Guide: Planning for Installation and Upgrade

(Optional) Preconfigure system information.

You can preconfigure system information to avoid being prompted for the information during the installation or upgrade.

Chapter 2, Preconfiguring System Configuration Information (Tasks)

Create an install server.

Use the setup_install_server(1M) command to copy the Solaris DVD to the install server's hard disk.

Creating an Install Server With DVD Media

(Optional) Create boot servers.

If you want to install systems from the network that are not on the same subnet as the install server, you must create a boot server on the subnet to boot the systems. Use the setup_install_server command with the -b option to set up a boot server. If you are using Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), a boot server is not necessary.

Creating a Boot Server on a Subnet With a DVD Image

Add systems to be installed from the network.

Use the add_install_client command to set up each system that you want to install from the network. Each system that you want to install needs to find the install server, the boot server if required, and configuration information on the network.

Adding Systems to Be Installed From the Network With a DVD Image

(Optional) Configure the DHCP server.

If you want to use DHCP to provide system configuration and installation parameters, configure the DHCP server, then create the appropriate options and macros for your installation.

Note - If you want to install an x86 based system from the network with PXE, you must configure a DHCP server.

Chapter 15, Planning for DHCP Service (Tasks), in System Administration Guide: IP Services

Preconfiguring System Configuration Information With the DHCP Service (Tasks)

Install the system over the network.

Begin the installation by booting the system from the network.

Installing the System From the Network With a DVD Image