Implementing a hybrid network deployment server for Windows and Linux

Abstract

The main objective of the thesis was selecting, testing and building hybrid network deployment server that should be capable of installing Windows and Linux-based operating systems. The server built to help system administrators at the Mikkeli University of Applied Sciences. The thesis focused on the Windows operating system, because it was the main operating system used at the university. At first, different methods were sorted out by technical specifications and then tested to prove their usability. Windows deployments are carried out using Microsoft Deployment Toolkit and Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit. The chosen strategies are High-Touch, Low-Volume and Lite-Touch, High-Volume. Linux-based operating systems are deployed with Syslinux package installed in Windows Deployment Services. Results of the study showed that the network deployment of operating systems saves an incredible amount of time in a long run and is not incredibly difficult to setup. Additionally, the thesis shows points of attention which should be taken care of during practical implementation.