What is the Hybrid Mode of SenetBoot?

Content:

• How it works
• Advantages of the hybrid mode
• Limitations of the hybrid mode
• Requirements for the hybrid mode

In SENET Boot version 13.0.24, a hybrid mode was introduced, combining the benefits of a diskless system and local Windows installations. This solution is suitable for venues where it is not always possible to use all the advantages of diskless systems due to different PC configurations.

Client PCs in hybrid mode run from local hard drives, and after booting, connect to the game content centrally through SENET Boot.

How does it work?

1. PC startup — the computer boots from the local hard drive with Windows installed.

2. SENET — sends a request in the local network.

3. If there is a SENET Boot server in the subnet, it provides access to the content disks assigned to this group of PCs.

4. If no disks are assigned or SENET Boot is not installed, the computer works as a regular disk-based system.

Thus, the system remains stable and independent, even if SENET Boot is temporarily unavailable.

Advantages of Hybrid Mode

✅ Reduced network load – no need to transfer a system image during startup.
✅ Various PC configurations are supported.
✅ Centralized content management – games and updates are stored on the server and available for the entire zone.
✅ Less load on SSD/network – no image write-backs or images themselves.
✅ Easier setup compared to a fully diskless system.
✅ Flexibility – disk-based and diskless PCs can be combined within the same organization.

Limitations

⚠️ Windows updates need to be performed locally on each PC.
⚠️ Actions on the system disk are preserved after the PC is restarted.

Requirements for Hybrid Mode

Hybrid mode in SENET Boot is a balanced solution for venues that want centralized game management while simplifying system administration.

To run a hybrid SENET Boot, you need:

1. SENET Boot 13.0.24.
2. E-launcher 16.0.93.
3. A hard drive with Windows installed on each client PC.
4. The SENET Boot server is in the same subnet as the clients.

Characteristics	Fully Diskless Mode	Hybrid Mode
OS Boot	Over the network from an image	From the local disk
Network Load at Startup	High	Minimal
Game Management	Centralized	Centralized
Windows and Launcher Updates	Centralized	Local on each PC
SSD/Network Usage	High (write-backs)	Low
Configuration Complexity	Higher	Lower