Different computer architectures (Apple, PC), operating systems and different network environments require different boot programs, so it is left to the user, the network card with a PROM (or EPROM) with each matching to equip boot program.
There are more modern programs based on TCP/IP and network management system concepts, such as Intel’s PXE and the open source and free solutions Etherboot and Netboot.
All approaches have one thing in common: the program in the boot PROM is started and connects to it to continue the boot process. At some point, either before or after the search for a bootable local media, the boot PROM is reactivated and loads over the network operating system.
Usually, this is done in small steps, first a utility with advanced networking features, then large parts of the operating system. Finally, control is passed to the operating system, which then connects more network services.
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