What is the best method for installing an operating system on a remote server using PXE?

The best method for installing an operating system on a remote server using PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) is indeed through TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol).

PXE allows a client machine to boot from the network rather than from a local storage device. Upon booting, the client sends a request to a PXE server to get the necessary files for the installation process. TFTP is commonly used in conjunction with PXE because it is a simpler and lighter-weight protocol that is specifically designed for transferring files in environments where speed is crucial, and the overhead of more complex protocols like FTP is not needed.

When using PXE, the client typically retrieves a boot image and configuration from the server. TFTP facilitates the transfer of these small boot images efficiently. This protocol does not require complex setup and is effective for the immediate needs during the initial boot phase, making it ideal for netbooting and remote server installations.

In contrast, SSH (Secure Shell) and RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) are protocols focused on secure remote access and management of systems rather than file transfers during the initial boot process. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), while commonly used for file downloads in web contexts, adds unnecessary complexity for transferring boot images in a PXE