Embedded server management, Integrated dell remote access controller, Table 17 – Dell PowerEdge T610 User Manual

Page 52: 3 embedded server management, 5 integrated dell remote access controller

Advertising
background image

Dell

PowerEdge T610 Technical Guide

52

16.3 Embedded Server Management

The PowerEdge T610 implements circuitry for the next generation of Embedded Server Management.
It is Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) v2.0 compliant. The iDRAC (Integrated Dell
Remote Access Controller) is responsible for acting as an interface between the host system and its
management software and the periphery devices.
iDRAC6 provides features for managing the server remotely or in data center lights-out
environments.
Advanced iDRAC features require the installation of the optional iDRAC6 Enterprise card.

16.4 Dell Lifecycle Controller and Unified Server Configurator

Embedded management is comprised of interdependent pieces:

Dell Lifecycle Controller

Unified Server Configurator

iDRAC6

Dell Lifecycle Controller powers the embedded management features. It includes integrated and
tamper-proof storage for system-management tools and enablement utilities (firmware, drivers,
etc.). Lifecycle Controller enables pre-OS server deployment, OS installation, platform updates,
platform configuration, and diagnostics capabilities.

Dell Unified Server Configurator (USC) is a graphical user interface (GUI) that aids in local server
provisioning in a pre-OS environment. To access the Unified Server Configurator, press the <F10> key
within 10 seconds of the Dell logo appearance during the system boot process. Table 17 details the
current functionality enabled by the USC.

Table 17.

Unified Server Configurator Features and Description

Feature

Description

Faster O/S Installation

Drivers and the installation utility are embedded on system, so no
need to scour Dell.com.

Faster System Updates

Integration with Dell support automatically directed to latest
versions of the Unified Server Configurator, iDRAC, RAID, BIOS, NIC,
and power supply.

Update Rollback

Ability to recover to previous ―known good state‖ for all updatable
components.

More Comprehensive Diagnostics

Diagnostic utilities are embedded on system.

Simplified Hardware Configuration

Detects RAID controller and allows user to configure virtual disk and
choose virtual disk as boot device, eliminating the need to launch a
separate utility. Also provides configuration for iDRAC, BIOS, and
NIC/LOM.

16.5 Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller

The integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC6) provides IT Administrators comprehensive yet
straightforward management of remote servers, by delivering ―as if you are there‖ presence and
control. iDRAC6 helps users to save time and money by eliminating travel to the remote server(s),
whether that server is located in a different room, a different building, a different city, or in a
different country. iDRAC6 is a purchasable option and is available as three offerings: iDRAC6 Express,
iDRAC6 Enterprise, and Virtual Flash (vFlash) media:

Advertising