PXE Setup Issues with Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to set up a PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) server for imaging Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano devices. The primary symptoms include:

• The device successfully reaches the GRUB menu but loses signal shortly after selecting an entry, leading to a black screen.
• A brief message appears: "EFI stub: Booting Linux Kernel…" before the display loss occurs.
• After the display loss, the device fan stops, and neither the fan nor the display resumes for an extended period.

This issue typically arises during setup when users attempt to boot from a PXE server. Users have confirmed that the PXE server connects properly, assigns an IP address, and boots into GRUB with a custom menu. However, manual booting methods yield the same result.

Relevant specifications include:

• Using grubnetaa64.efi.signed downloaded from Ubuntu.
• The kernel and initrd images are sourced from Jetson_Linux_R36.2.0_aarch64.tbz2.
• Configuration files for TFTP and DHCP have been modified from provided guides.

The issue appears to be consistent among users attempting similar setups, significantly impacting their ability to utilize PXE for imaging devices.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes may contribute to this PXE booting issue:

• Incorrect Initrd File: Users suspect that l4t_initrd.img may not be the correct file, which could lead to improper initialization of the boot process.

• Configuration Errors: Misconfigurations in TFTP or DHCP settings could prevent proper communication or file transfer during the boot process.

• Driver Issues: Incompatibilities or bugs within the drivers used for networking or booting may disrupt the boot sequence.

• Hardware Limitations: Differences between Jetson Nano and Orin Nano hardware could lead to unexpected behaviors if configurations are not tailored for the specific device model.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could cause hardware malfunctions during the boot process.

• User Errors: Misunderstandings regarding PXE setup procedures or requirements might lead to incorrect configurations.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the PXE setup issues with Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano devices, follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Initrd File:

   • Ensure that you are using the correct initrd file. Check if l4t_initrd.img is appropriate for your specific use case. If unsure, consult Nvidia’s documentation for guidance on compatible files.

2. Check Configuration Files:

   • Review your /etc/default/tftpd-hpa and dhcpd.conf files for accuracy. Ensure that all paths and options align with recommended settings in the Jetson Linux Developer Guide.
   • Example configuration snippet for dhcpd.conf:

     class "pxeclients" {
         match if substring (option vendor-class-identifier, 0, 9) = "PXEClient";
         filename "efi/grubnetaa64.efi.signed";
         next-server 172.16.10.1;
         option root-path "/srv/tftp/";
     }
     

3. Test Serial Console Output:

   • Connect to the serial console to gather detailed logs during boot. This can provide insights into where the process fails.
   • Use commands like screen /dev/ttyUSB0 115200 (adjust /dev/ttyUSB0 as necessary) to monitor output.

4. Isolate Network Issues:

   • Verify that your network settings are correctly configured and that there are no firewall rules blocking TFTP or DHCP traffic.
   • Test with a different network setup if possible to rule out environmental factors.

5. Manual Boot Testing:

   • Attempt to manually boot using GRUB commands instead of relying on automated PXE processes. This can help determine if specific configurations are causing issues.
   • Example GRUB command sequence:

     set root=(tftp,172.16.10.1)
     linux /Image rw fbcon=map:0 net.ifnames=0 console=ttyTCU0,115200
     initrd /l4t_initrd.img
     boot
     

6. Consider Alternative Boot Methods:

   • If PXE continues to fail, consider setting up an NFS root filesystem as an alternative method for imaging devices. This approach has reportedly resolved similar issues for other users.

7. Consult Documentation and Community Forums:

   • Regularly check Nvidia’s official documentation for updates on PXE setups and Jetson device configurations.
   • Engage with community forums for shared experiences and solutions from other users facing similar challenges.

8. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Document your configurations and any changes made during troubleshooting for future reference.
   • Regularly update your system firmware and software packages to mitigate compatibility issues.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve PXE setup issues with their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano devices effectively.