# Introduction

Overview

Product Contents

Operating Environment

## Overview

The Intel® Boot Agent is a software product that allows your networked client computer to boot using a program code image supplied by a remote server. PC vendors can implement the Intel Boot Agent to accommodate various environments and protocols.

Implementation Support for the Intel Boot Agent:

- Multi-protocol boot ROM code designed for remote booting from Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and 10-Gigabit Ethernet Adapters.

- Complies with the Pre-boot eXecution Environment (PXE) Version 2.1 Specification.

Important Features Offered by Intel Boot Agent:

- Same user interface for Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and 10-Gigabit Ethernet Adapters.

- Compatible with legacy boot agent environments that use BOOTP protocol.

- Customizable in pre-boot, Windows*, and DOS environments.

## Product Contents

When you purchase an Intel Desktop adapter, the product package includes the following items related to the Intel Boot Agent:

- An Intel Boot Agent software image integrated into the adapter's flash ROM device. This must be added and enabled to server adapters.

- A CD-ROM containing a set of DOS utilities, this online Intel® Boot Agent User's Guide, and a readme file.

This software and documentation as well as updates are available by visiting the Intel Customer Support website.

## Operating Environment

The Intel Boot Agent operates in a client/server environment. Often, in this environment, one or more servers provide remote boot services to a large number of client computers through a common network. The computer system where the Intel Boot Agent is loaded is considered to be a client with respect to the remote boot capability even if that system acts as a server after the system has finished booting.