netcat-like multicasting server/client?

Richardson, Tony (ARichard@stark.cc.oh.us)
Mon, 24 May 1999 09:25:57 -0400

I have to set up a lab of identical computers running Linux.
I set up one machine the way I wanted it and then wrapped up
all the files in a tarball that I store on a server. Using the
networking support and the netcat (man nc) and tar utilities on Tom's
root/boot floppy (and some custom scripts) I can restore a
complete machine from scratch over the network in under 15
minutes. I can restore multiple machines simultaneously, but the
network starts to bog down and the install times increase.

I've use Ghost imaging software and it allows you to multicast
an image out to the network and then simultaneously restore all
clients. I'd like to do this. Does any one know of a netcat-like
tool that allows you to multicast? Or does this capability already
exist in netcat? (I'm not a networking expert. It's quite probable
that I overlooked something with regard to netcat features.)
Or perhaps some interested networking guru would
be interested in adding this support to netcat? (Have the netcat
server wait until some number of netcat clients have connected and
then start broadcasting?)

Thanks,
Tony Richardson
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