DRBL review
A free, open-source choice for centralized Linux booting, cloning, and lab management.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
DRBL is free, open-source software for administrators managing networked GNU/Linux computers from a centralized server. It is designed for computer labs, classrooms, and similar groups of client machines that need network-booted or diskless Linux environments. PXE and Etherboot provide the boot process, while DHCP, TFTP, NFS, and NIS support the required network services. DRBL also supports network installation of GNU/Linux distributions and several operating system distributions within the Linux ecosystem.
Its main strength is the combination of network booting and Clonezilla-based deployment. Clonezilla integration supports partition and disk cloning, while Clonezilla Server Edition adds multicast cloning for distributing images across multiple clients. The available modes—Full DRBL, Full Clonezilla, DRBL SSI, and Clonezilla Box—give administrators different ways to provide shared or cloned environments. Centralized server configuration reduces the need to install Linux separately on every client, and remote mode switching, reboot, shutdown, and Wake-on-LAN extend management beyond the initial deployment.
DRBL is a strong fit when the environment is Linux-centered and the deployment model is network-based, especially where diskless clients or repeated cloning are priorities. It is less suitable for teams seeking a broad, general-purpose deployment suite across varied platforms or workflows. The product’s scope centers on GNU/Linux clients, self-hosted infrastructure, and administrator-managed network services rather than a wider ecosystem of deployment capabilities. Choose DRBL for free Linux booting, cloning, and centralized lab administration; consider an alternative when broader platform coverage is the primary requirement.
DRBL pros and cons
- Where it wins
- PXE/Etherboot booting supports diskless GNU/Linux clients
- Clonezilla integration enables partition, disk, and multicast cloning
- Centralized controls include reboot, shutdown, and Wake-on-LAN
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on GNU/Linux client environments
- Deployment depends on network services and a central server
- Offers a narrower platform scope than general-purpose deployment suites
DRBL fact sheet, pricing and score →
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