Q:

dhcp 'next-server' outside broadcast domain, without using ip helpers(aka dhcp relay)

Can you set a 'next-server' option in dhcp that is outside of the client's broadcast domain? I'm trying to pxe-boot from a server outside my client's network, using isc-dhcpd
In my lab I see the next-server option get sent from the dhcp server to the client, however I never see the client interact with the next-server.
I know this is possible on a switch using ip helper(bootp relay, dhcp relay, etc) but am looking to do it without using that.

A:

in a PXE environment is perfectly doable.
in a BSDP environment (PXE for Macs) the game is different; the BDSP client broadcasts its first request and expects a list of possible booting images, the user picks one and starts the boot/install process.
in your case you will never see a BDSP client following the next-server option like a PXE client does. BSDP documentation

