What is uefi network stack?

The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a specification that defines a software interface between an operating system and platform firmware. A crucial component of UEFI is the network stack, which allows a system to connect to a network and communicate with other systems over a network.

UEFI network stack supports a variety of protocols, including TCP/IP, DHCP, PXE, DNS, and HTTP, which are necessary for network communication. It also includes drivers for network interface controllers (NICs) that are supported by the system. This enables the system to boot from a network server using protocols like Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) or to access network resources during the boot process.

The UEFI network stack provides a standardized interface that allows operating systems and applications to easily leverage network connectivity without having to rely on proprietary drivers or firmware. This helps to improve compatibility and interoperability across different systems and hardware platforms.

Overall, the UEFI network stack plays a crucial role in modern computer systems, allowing them to connect to networks and access resources for tasks such as remote booting, network installations, firmware updates, and network-based diagnostics.