The number of NetBoot client computers you can connect to your server depends on server hardware and a number of other factors.
Server Hardware
A NetBoot server with these specifications can easily support 50 NetBoot client computers:
- PowerPC G3 or G4 microprocessor at 400 MHz or faster
- 256 MB of memory (RAM)
- Gigabit Ethernet and/or a four-port, 100BASE-T or faster Ethernet card
- Two or more hard disks of 9 GB or larger (Multiple hard disks allow more efficient NetBoot operation.)
Note: For best performance and reliability, avoid starting up more than 20 computers simultaneously. After a few moments, you may start up the next 20 computers.
Other Factors
If you want to support more than 25 client computers or use a server that has a different configuration, consider these factors:
Ethernet speed
For best performance, use 100BASE-T or faster connections for both client computers and the server.
Hard disk capacity and number of NetBoot clients
The NetBoot server requires a certain amount of hard disk space for each client connected to it. The amount of space depends on the size and configuration of the system image.
Hard disk capacity and number of users
If you have a large number of users, consider adding a separate file server to your network to store user documents. User documents and preferences are stored by default on the NetBoot server when you use Macintosh Manager, but any Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) server can store this information.
Location of server and client
NetBoot client computers that must use BootP must be located on the same subnet as the server, and there can be only one BootP server on that subnet. However, there can be multiple NetBoot servers serving images on the same subnet.
Number of Ethernet ports on the server
If you have a four-port Ethernet card at the server, distributing NetBoot clients over the ports offers a performance advantage. You can add ports by adding Ethernet cards, or by using several ports on a multi-port Ethernet card. Each port must serve a distinct segment.
Shadow image
As a client starts up from a NetBoot server, it creates a shadow image on the server's hard disk. Each NetBoot client's shadow image takes up the full space of a system disk image for a short time. The size of the server's shadow disk image increases and decreases as needed.