CCBoot (Client Computer Boot) is a diskless boot solution used to PXE-boot client machines from a centralized server over LAN. It’s popular in environments like gaming cafes, classrooms, and testing labs. While its basic usage is pretty straightforward (boot clients from images stored on a server), CCBoot has deep and advanced features that can optimize performance, simplify management, and enhance flexibility.
🔧 1. RAM Cache and SSD Cache
- RAM Cache: Uses server RAM as a high-speed read/write cache for disk images. Drastically reduces disk I/O and improves boot speed and game/app loading time.
- SSD Cache: Optionally uses an SSD to offload cache if RAM is limited. Hybrid setups are possible for balancing speed and cost.
⚡ 2. Write-back vs Write-through Modes
- Write-back Mode (default for diskless): All writes from clients go to RAM (volatile). When client reboots, all changes are lost—ideal for gaming cafés.
- Write-through Mode: Writes are preserved (non-volatile). Useful for persistent setups like training environments or labs.
🧠 3. Smart Image Management
- Super Image Concept: A single image can be used by multiple different hardware profiles with auto driver injection.
- Driver Injector / Auto Driver Update: CCBoot can detect and inject drivers automatically when booting different hardware.
- Image Merge & Differential Images: Allows client changes (like installed apps) to be merged back into the master image or saved as a differential image.
🌐 4. Multicast Boot / PXE Optimization
- Multicast Image Deployment: Multiple clients can boot simultaneously from a single image stream to reduce server bandwidth load.
- UEFI and Legacy PXE Support: Handles both types of client booting environments, essential for modern hardware.
🔄 5. Cloud Integration & Remote Sync
- Cloud Image Sync: Sync images across branch locations or remote sites using image replication features.
- Image Backup and Restore via Cloud or NAS: Schedule image backups or replicate to a remote location for DR purposes.
🛡️ 6. Diskless and Disk-Enabled Hybrid Mode
- Some client machines can run diskless while others use local drives, all managed from the same CCBoot server.
- HDD Mode: Option to boot from local HDD but still managed via CCBoot for hybrid flexibility.
🔐 7. Access Control, Logs, and Monitoring
- Account-based Access & Usage Logging: User accounts can track hours played (used for internet cafés or timed sessions).
- Client Monitor Dashboard: Shows real-time boot status, cache usage, traffic, and disk I/O.
- Auto Reboot / Idle Shutdown: Schedule or automate reboots and power events.
🔁 8. Snapshots & Revert Options
- Snapshot Boot: Load images in snapshot mode so all client changes are discarded after reboot.
- One-Click Revert: Restore image to a known clean state with a click, ideal for lab/testing or public access terminals.
🚀 9. Game Disk Support (Separate VHDs)
- Mount large read-only game data disks separately, shared across clients. Keeps OS image smaller and easier to manage.
⚙️ 10. Advanced Network Configuration
- iSCSI Boot with Load Balancing: Supports multiple NICs and multi-pathing for performance.
- VLAN and Subnet Awareness: Boot clients across VLANs with relay agents and custom PXE options.
- NIC Teaming on Server: Aggregate server-side bandwidth for high throughput needs.
🧪 Bonus: Optimization Tips for Advanced Users
- Use 10GbE NICs + NVMe SSD RAID for high concurrency environments.
- Pair with Intel Optane or DDR4 RAMDisk for extreme performance cache.
- Use DCH-compliant drivers for modern hardware and cleaner image portability.
