This week the official Raspberry Pi Foundation team has published more details about the recently added new piece of software called PiServer, which is designed to provide an easy tool to install and provide access to a network of client Raspberry Pis, connected to a single x86-based server via Ethernet. Raspberry Pi enthusiasts building supercomputers or projects incorporating multiple Raspberry Pi mini PC systems are sure to find the tool especially useful.
When using PiServer, you don’t need SD cards because the software allows you to control all clients via the server, and you can add and configure user accounts, and is ideal for the classroom, your home, or an industrial setting, says the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
Functions of the Raspberry Pi PiServer software include the ability to automatically detect Raspberry Pi mini PCs connected to the network trying to network boot, removing the need for you to manually work out their Ethernet addresses. PiServer also sets up a DHCP server in proxy mode or in full IP mode. No matter the mode, the DHCP server will only reply to the Raspberry Pis you have specified offering network safety. PiServer can also be used to create user names and passwords for the server and is perfect for a classroom full of mini PCs that need to be set up with users beforehand allowing users to login with their own unique users and passwords yet keep their work in a centralised location.
For more information on how to use the Raspberry Pi PiServer software and download it for your own project, classroom or industrial application jump over to the official Raspberry Pi Foundation website by following the link below for full setup instructions. To use PiServer as a server, you will need an x86 computer on which you can install x86 Debian Stretch.
If you enjoy building Pi projects you might be interested in our comprehensive list of Raspberry Pi displays, HATS and small screens.
Source: RPiF