What iVentoy is
iVentoy is a browser-managed network-boot platform. It provides PXE services so a device can start an installer, recovery environment or utility image from the network instead of relying on removable media.
Why it belongs in my lab
I use the lab to understand complete infrastructure workflows, not only application hosting. Network boot adds another operational layer: DHCP and address-pool planning, image management, firmware compatibility and controlled testing across physical or virtual devices.
Screenshot evidence
How it fits
The service sits alongside Proxmox, TrueNAS and the network edge as a controlled deployment and recovery tool. It can support operating-system installation, diagnostics and repeatable rebuild work without publishing the private addressing or image catalogue.
Operational method
I separate boot-service configuration from the image library, test one firmware mode at a time and verify that DHCP behaviour does not interfere with normal clients. Changes are documented before wider use, and failed boots are treated as a network, firmware or image-compatibility problem rather than guessed at.
What it demonstrates
This project demonstrates practical PXE concepts, network-service troubleshooting, controlled image delivery and the ability to integrate a specialised tool into an existing virtualisation and storage environment.
How to deploy or reproduce it
Install iVentoy on a dedicated Linux or Windows host, place authorised ISO images in its image directory, bind it to the intended lab interface and configure a small DHCP/PXE test scope.
Boot one test machine first, confirm the correct network is being served and never enable an unauthorised DHCP service on a shared business or public network.