Abstract: A method and system for caching and moving the required real-time, processing unit specific data (including boot image selection) among isolated servers in a pre-boot environment is disclosed. A system and method in accordance with the present invention provides a network/server topology that includes a common control server, and a plurality of isolated process servers. A system and method in accordance with the present invention provides the capability of being able to reference the real-time processing unit specific data based on either the unique processing unit identifier (MTSN directory name) or based on the MAC address (in conjunction with the content of a MAC binding file).

Abstract: A method and system for caching and moving the required real-time, processing unit specific data (including boot image selection) among isolated servers in a pre-boot environment is disclosed. A system and method in accordance with the present invention provides a network/server topology that includes a common control server, and a plurality of isolated process servers. A plurality of processing units (computers) are coupled to each of the plurality of isolated process servers. A system and method in accordance with the present invention allows each of the processing units below an isolated process server to be set up with identical IP addresses (reducing administration costs) and also eliminates manufacturing wide network problems (caused by failing network cards) by isolating the segments rather than routing the segments. As a result, this invention provides a more fault tolerant network and a lower total cost solution.