A system and method for network image propagation without a predefined
network advantageously allows customers to automatically perform several
system BOS installation or mksysb restoration over a virtual network with
no predefined network and minimal installer configuration overhead. A
method for network image propagation comprises: identifying a plurality
of logical partitions residing in the logically partitioned terminal;
configuring a temporary virtual network to connect said plurality of
logical partitions to each other, wherein each one of the logical
partitions is assigned at least one of a virtual Internet Protocol (IP)
address and a virtual Media Access Control (MAC) address; installing an
application image on at least one of the logical partitions via the
temporary virtual network; deconfiguring the temporary virtual network;
and assigning at least one of a physical IP address and a physical MAC
address to said at least one logical partition on which the application
has been installed.