Cobbler

Cobbler is a comprehensive Linux installation server designed to simplify and automate the deployment of operating systems across network environments. Built with Python, it provides a complete solution for bare metal provisioning, network boot services, and configuration management, making it ideal for data centers and large-scale deployments.

Key Features

• Comprehensive OS Deployment:

  • Support for multiple Linux distributions
  • Network boot (PXE) capabilities
  • Automated installation processes
  • Kickstart file management (Red Hat/CentOS)
  • Preseed file support (Debian/Ubuntu)
  • Custom installation profiles

• Network Services Management:

  • DHCP server management and configuration
  • TFTP server for boot file serving
  • DNS management and integration
  • PXE boot service configuration
  • Network infrastructure automation
  • VLAN and subnet management

• Advanced Configuration Management:

  • System profile creation and management
  • Template system for configurations
  • Variable management and substitution
  • Post-installation script execution
  • Configuration template processing
  • Environment-specific settings

• Hardware Management Capabilities:

  • Automatic hardware discovery
  • Power management integration
  • Serial console access
  • IPMI support for remote management
  • Wake-on-LAN functionality
  • Hardware inventory tracking

• User-Friendly Web Interface:

  • Comprehensive web management console
  • Real-time system monitoring
  • Installation progress tracking
  • Log viewing and analysis
  • Configuration interface
  • Dashboard and reporting

• Integration & Extensibility:

  • Puppet integration for configuration management
  • Chef cookbook support
  • Ansible playbook integration
  • Koan client for system management
  • REST API for automation
  • Custom plugin development

• Enterprise Features:

  • Multi-site deployment support
  • Role-based access control
  • Audit logging and tracking
  • Backup and restore capabilities
  • High availability configuration
  • Performance optimization

Technical Specifications

• Language: Python
• License: GPL-2.0
• Deployment: RPM/DEB packages, source
• Platforms: Linux (RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu, SUSE)
• Requirements: Python, Apache/Nginx, DHCP, TFTP
• Database: File-based configuration
• Architecture: Server-client, network-based

Use Cases

• Data Center Provisioning: Large-scale server deployment and provisioning
• Cloud Infrastructure: Bare metal cloud infrastructure deployment
• Development Environments: Automated development environment setup
• Disaster Recovery: Rapid system recovery and rebuilding
• Educational Institutions: Lab and classroom environment management
• Enterprise IT: Corporate server and workstation deployment

Unique Advantages

• Network-Centric: Built specifically for network-based installations
• Multi-Distribution: Support for multiple Linux distributions
• Automation-First: Designed for automated, hands-off deployments
• Integration-Ready: Excellent integration with configuration management tools
• Scalable: Handles large-scale deployments efficiently
• Open Source: Transparent, customizable, and community-driven

Based on the Cobbler GitHub repository, this tool provides system administrators with a comprehensive Linux installation and provisioning platform that excels in network-based deployments, making it ideal for organizations that need automated, scalable OS deployment capabilities for bare metal servers and large-scale infrastructure provisioning.