Solved How to create a bootable virtual USB

[jcdv]

Hi, I'm new to FreeBSD, so please be patient if this question is too basic.
I have a dedicated server rented to test a firewall, and the standard procedure to install it is via a USB stick.
As I have no physical access to the server, I cannot plug in a USB to any ports. I only have access via the SSH terminal.

My idea is to create a virtual USB and make it also bootable, so I can run the installer image and follow the installation procedure.
I searched on google but had no luck. If this is possible please let me know the steps to do it, or maybe direct me to any links that can put me on the right path.

Thanks!

 

[richardtoohey2]

It depends on the remote controller (called a BMC) - so you need that information from your provider.

For example, Dell have iDRAC, and you can mount virtual media (like a USB or CD image) via the user interface and set the BIOS to boot from that.

 

[gpw928]

You don't say where this rented server is located, and that's fairly critical.

For example, Binary Lane has a BYO ISO option.

So, are you using a conventional VPS provider? Is so, which one?

 

[ccammack]

For OPNsense, you might be able to bootstrap from a running FreeBSD installation or install it under bhyve.

For other firewalls, install using pkg install.

 

[unitrunker]

Is your dedicated server running FreeBSD?

 

[covacat]

real men dd a mfsbsd image to their boot disk
real real men do it over a ssh connection

 

[SirDice]

My idea is to create a virtual USB and make it also bootable, so I can run the installer image and follow the installation procedure.

How do you suppose this will work? Mount that virtual USB stick then reboot? How's the BIOS going to find a device that's not connected when the OS isn't running?

Ask for IPMI access to the machine, then you can actually connect a virtual CD image (over the network) and boot from that. Yes, this will work over the internet, it's going to be terribly slow but I've done this a couple of times with success.

[Mod: The howto section is NOT for asking how to do things. Thread moved.]

 

[Ole]

Maybe it will be useful: https://github.com/ventoy/Ventoy

 

[jcdv]

For OPNsense, you might be able to bootstrap from a running FreeBSD installation or install it under bhyve.

For other firewalls, install using pkg install.

Hi Ccammack, sorry for the delay replying.
This solution ( bootstrap from a running FreeBSD installation) worked for me. Many thanks!!

 

[jcdv]

Thanks to all for your help and suggestions, finally solved the problem.

 

[jcdv]

How do you suppose this will work? Mount that virtual USB stick then reboot? How's the BIOS going to find a device that's not connected when the OS isn't running?

Ask for IPMI access to the machine, then you can actually connect a virtual CD image (over the network) and boot from that. Yes, this will work over the internet, it's going to be terribly slow but I've done this a couple of times with success.

[Mod: The howto section is NOT for asking how to do things. Thread moved.]

As suggested, I already requested IPMI access. Yes, the idea was to upload the data for the virtual USB disk and then reboot using it. However, the other solution was actually less complicated and I went for it. Anyways, IPMI access is a must to control the server, for example, to reboot it when no console is available. Thanks for the advice!