What is Ghost Casting?

Ghost imaging, sometimes called Ghost casting (or cloning) is a software based data backup process where contents of a computer are copied and into group of files called as an image. The ghost image copies the entire contents to another server or machine including configuration information and application

The purpose of the ghost image (Ghosting or Ghost casing) is to expedite process of cloning from one system onto other systems, or to enable a quick restore of a system. It enables migration from one disk or PC to another.

Ghost Casting Across VLANs

Example Scenario: Configuring Connectivity Between Ghost Server and Client Across VLANs

Below is a scenario where Ghost Server in Vlan 10 (IP address of ghost Server = 192.168.10.10). There are two DHCP servers also in vlan 10 with IP addresses 192.168.10.11 and 192.168.10.12.

The Ghost clients (workstations) are in Vlan 20 (IP address of Ghost clients = 192.168.20.10 and 11 respectively).

Pre-requisites:

Requirement is to have Ghost client in vlan 20 to be able reach both unicast and multicast (ghost casting) sessions to the ghost server in vlan 10.

To do this the following is required on a cisco Layer 3 switch with cisco IOS –

Key considerations here –

1 – The ip pim spare-dense-mode needs to go on each VLAN that ghosting will be used on.

2 – “ip helper-address” command is used to forward the broadcasts for DHCP addresses to the DHCP servers and also required if we want the ghost session to automatically detect where the ghost server is without needing to enter the IP address manually.

Continue Reading:

Managing Cisco DHCP Client Identifier

Understanding Dora Process in DHCP

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rashmi Bhardwaj

I am here to share my knowledge and experience in the field of networking with the goal being – “The more you share, the more you learn.”

I am a biotechnologist by qualification and a Network Enthusiast by interest. I developed interest in networking being in the company of a passionate Network Professional, my husband.

I am a strong believer of the fact that “learning is a constant process of discovering yourself.”
– Rashmi Bhardwaj (Author/Editor)