Enabling TFTP Access on an Installation Server

This procedure explains how to change the /etc/inetd.conf to allow tftp access.

Note: If your site has strict security requirements, step 2 of this procedure offers an option that limits tftp access to the distribution directory.

1. Become the superuser on the installation server.

   % su

   Password:

   #

2. Modify the tftp line in /etc/inetd.conf on the server.

   You can modify /etc/inetd.conf to allow tftp access in a way that suits the needs of your site. The default tftp entry in /etc/inetd.conf looks similar to this (your entry might contain additional arguments to the -s option):

   tftp dgram udp wait guest /usr/etc/tftpd tftpd -s /usr/local/boot

   Take any of these actions to modify the tftp entry:

   • Remove the -s /usr/local/boot, and any additional directories that are specified by the -s option, from the entry to allow tftp access to all publicly readable directories. (This is not recommended for sites on the Internet.) The modified line should look like this:

     tftp dgram udp wait guest /usr/etc/tftpd tftpd

   • Specify access to the distribution directory only (suggested for secure sites). The modified line should look like this:

     tftp dgram udp wait guest /usr/etc/tftpd tftpd -s
/usr/local/boot <distdir>

   • Specify access to the CD-ROM drive. The modified line should look like this:

     tftp dgram udp wait guest /usr/etc/tftpd tftpd -s
/usr/local/boot <CDdir>/dist

     Note: If an account other than guest is used for installation, replace the guest entry on the tftp line with the alternate user ID.

3. Put your changes into effect.

   # killall -v -HUP inetd