Install 18.04 server without network connection

The latest version of Ubuntu server (18.04) seems to demand network configuration and refuse to boot without it. I have no desire to connect the server in question to the internet for anything, and have installed previous versions of Ubuntu server without network no questions asked.

Is a network connection an absolute requirement for the latest version of Ubuntu server? Or is there something I'm missing?

The installation cannot proceed past the network configuration page unless an ethernet connection is active, by my current estimates. I have no ethernet network within range of the machine so can't test it on an internet-less network. I only have WiFi within immediate range (which does have internet access) but it won't recognise the device and it should be simpler to get the installation to happen without any updates than to go to the effort of finding the drivers to support the WiFi adapter.

Note that this is NOT a duplicate of How to install Ubuntu Server without network connection? since the new installer seems to be the real problem here.

You can install Ubuntu 18.04 without an internet connection when using the "standard" ISO. (not the live server)

You can download the standard one here: http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/releases/18.04/release/

Originally downloaded the Ubuntu 18.04 LTS Live ISO. The installer recognized my wifi network card but could not sign in to the WIFI network and therefore the installation would not let me continue. Following a suggestion in this thread downloaded the ubuntu-18.04.1-server-amd64.iso and installed it on a USB drive. The installer on this ISO recognized my WiFi card and allowed me to login to the WiFi network. The ISO is located in Ubuntu.com -> Download -> Ubuntu Server -> Use the Traditional installer -> Download the Alternate Installer -> 64-bit PC (AMD64) server install image.

This is a known bug in the new installer. Until it is fixed, you can use the traditional installer as dhelios points out.

I had the same problem recently.

I solved it by manually configuring a bogus IPv4 address. Even without Internet access, the installer was able to proceed with the installation.

Hope this helps you.