Remote-access Guide

what is dell remote access controller

by Prof. Richmond Fay I Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Full Answer

What does a Dell remote access card do?

  • Hardware: GPE (General Purpose Encryption) card and firmware, that has the encryption engine.
  • Client software and Middleware: Running on each client system (Desktops/notebooks) enforcing encryption policies.
  • Management console (software): Running on server to remotely administer and enforce policies.

How to setup Dell iDRAC?

Symptoms

  • Turn on or reboot the managed system.
  • During Power-On Self-Test (POST), press <F2> when F2 = System Setup is displayed in the upper right corner of the screen as shown in the following figure.
  • On the System Setup Main Menu page, click iDRAC Settings, and then click Network. ...

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How to access Dell iDRAC?

  • Click iDRAC Settings® Network/Security® Users. ...
  • In the User ID column, click a user ID number. ...
  • On the User Configuration page, configure the following:
  • The username, password, and access permissions for a new or existing iDRAC user. ...
  • The user’s IPMI privileges. ...
  • The iDRAC user privileges. ...
  • The iDRAC Group access permissions. ...

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How to charge the remote controller?

There are three ways you can recharge the remote controller:

  • Connect the charger cable from an outlet socket to the remote controller
  • Connect the remote controller from your PC with the charger cable to the remote controller.
  • Alternatively, connect from an external battery source which is called PowerBank to the remote controller.

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What is Dell remote Access?

The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) is designed for secure local and remote server management and helps IT administrators deploy, update and monitor Dell EMC PowerEdge servers anywhere, anytime.

What is iDRAC purpose?

The iDRAC is a piece of hardware that sits on the server motherboard that allows Systems Administrators to update and manage Dell systems, even when the server is turned off. The iDRAC also provides both a web interface and command line interface that allows administrators to perform remote management tasks.

How do I access Dell Remote Access Controller?

Launching virtual console using web interfaceGo to Overview > Server > Virtual Console. The Virtual Console page is displayed. Click Launch Virtual Console. ... Go to Overview > Server > Properties. The System Summary page is displayed. Under Virtual Console Preview section, click Launch.

What is the difference between iLO and iDRAC?

The difference between the Both- Dell iDRAC and HP iLO: Both iLO and iDRAC support Java-based and ActiveX remote consoles. The iLO supports CLP, which is a text-based command-line interface from the DMTF while iDRAC supports skeletal command (control power, view log, exit).

Is Dell iDRAC free?

Because Dell EMC believes that none of our customers should be without the advanced remote management and automation capabilities during this difficult time, we have decided to offer a free iDRAC Enterprise 240-day Trial License*.

How do I use iDRAC remote?

Access the System menu, click on the Console/Media tab and select the Virtual Console and Virtual Media option. Click on the Launch Virtual Console Button to start a remote console session. You can now use the remote console feature. Congratulations!

What is an iDRAC connection?

The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) is designed to make system administrators more productive and improve the overall availability of Dell systems. iDRAC alerts administrators to system issues, help them perform remote system management and reduces the need for physical access to the system.

Is iDRAC enabled by default?

Configuring the iDRAC IP address By default the iDRAC ip is set by DHCP. If no DHCP service is available, the iDRAC will use the default iDRAC IP address 192.168. 0.120. The default iDRAC IP can be used to configure the initial network settings, including setting up a static IP for iDRAC.

What is iDRAC module?

iDRAC Service Module (iSM) is a lightweight software OS service that better integrates operating system (OS) features with iDRAC and can be installed on Dell's 12th generation and newer PowerEdge servers.

What is Dell iLO called?

Integrated Lights-OutIf we talk about monitoring and management of servers Hardware, the first names that come to mind are iDRAC (Integrated Dell Remote Access) and iLO (Integrated Lights-Out), both technologies for maintenance of servers "out-of-band", without dependence on the operating system.

What is Dell's version of iLO?

Two of the most popular of these are HP's Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) or Dell's Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC). Both the iLO and iDRAC have features that specifically address systems management as defined by the Desktop Management Task Force (DMTF) Common Information Model (CIM).

What port does Dell iDRAC use?

NOTE When node-initiated discovery or Group Manager is enabled, iDRAC uses mDNS to communicate through port 5353.

How do I know if I have iDRAC?

Identify iDRAC version using the iDRAC Web Interface Log in to the iDRAC interface. The default iDRAC IP address 192.168. 0.120. Upon login, the version is displayed at the upper left of the iDRAC along with the iDRAC license level.

How do I enable iDRAC?

Turn on the managed system.Press during Power-on Self-test (POST).In the System Setup Main Menu page, click iDRAC Settings. The iDRAC Settings page is displayed.Click Network. The Network page is displayed.Specify the network settings.Click Back, click Finish, and then click Yes.

What port does Dell iDRAC use?

NOTE When node-initiated discovery or Group Manager is enabled, iDRAC uses mDNS to communicate through port 5353.

How do I access iDRAC in Windows?

Open a browser software, enter the IP address of your iDRAC interface and access the administrative web interface. On the prompt screen, enter the administrative login information. After a successful login, the administrative menu will be displayed. On the Users screen, select the ROOT user ID to access its properties.

Automation and the new generation of PowerEdge servers

Watch the video to see how Intelligent management in PowerEdge servers puts you in control of their IT lifecycle.

PowerEdge server lifecycle management with iDRAC

Check out this Dell EMC Tech Talk that provides a quick overview of the new iDRAC features.

Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) solution brief

Read the iDRAC9 Solution Brief to find out how iDRAC provides embedded management in every Dell PowerEdge server, with functionality that helps you deploy, update, monitor and maintain Dell PowerEdge servers with or without a systems management software agent.

Dell EMC Product Security

Dell EMC’s interrelated set of product security programs ensure that Dell EMC products are built with security in mind.

iDRAC Support Center

The support site offers a host of white papers and manuals that provide an in depth look various iDRAC features.

OpenManage Portfolio Licensing Guide

Get an overview of the OpenManage Portfolio licensing options appropriate to your organization's needs.

iDRAC9 Virtual Power Cycle

Dell EMC PowerEdge servers stand out for offering the ability to remotely invoke an A/C power cycle to the Baseboard Management Controller.

Power Management

With the DRAC enabled and by having its own separate network connection a user may login and reboot the system even if the core operating system has crashed. If the correct drivers are loaded onto the Operating system the DRAC will attempt to shutdown the system gracefully.

Remote Console

The remote console features of the DRAC let you interface with the computer as if you were sitting in front of it, and indeed you even share the local inputs from keyboard and mouse as well as video output (sound is not supported remotely).

Virtual Media

The DRAC enables you to mount remotely shared disk images as if they were connected to the system. When this is combined with the remote console you have the ability to completely re-install an operating system, a task which had traditionally required local console access to the physical machine.

What is remote console?

The remote console features of the DRAC allow an administrator to interface with the computer as if sitting in front of it, and one can share the local inputs from keyboard and mouse as well as video output (DRAC does not support remote sound). Remote-console capability relies on either an Active X or Java plug-in, or HTML5 in the later models, which displays a window showing the video output on the local terminal and which takes mouse and keyboard input. This behavior closely resembles that of other remote access solutions such as VNC or RDP but also works if the operating system of the server doesn't work any more (unlike VNC or RDP). It is used to take the server console remotely.

What is Dell DRAC?

The Dell Remote Access Controllers (DRAC) and the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controllers (iDRAC) come in different versions, where a new (i)DRAC version is often linked to a new generation of Poweredge servers.

What is idrac in server?

The hardware is often integrated on the motherboard of the server, and the combined product is termed iDRAC, where the "i" is for integrated. When iDRAC Express is used, the software and hardware systems management functions are shared with one of the server's on-board network interfaces using a unique IP address. By contrast, iDRAC Enterprise version features a dedicated physical network interface.

What is the difference between a Dell vFlash SD card and a class 2 SDHC card?

While there are no other known functional differences between a Dell-branded vFlash SD card and a class 2 or greater SDHC card, the use of non-Dell media prevents the use of extended capacities and functions.

What is a controller?

The controller has its own processor, memory, network connection, and access to the system bus. Key features include power management, virtual media access and remote console capabilities, all available through a supported web browser or command-line interface. This gives system administrators the ability to configure a machine as if they were sitting at the local console ( terminal ).

Does idrac 7 work on older servers?

On 6 March 2012, software version 1.00.00 for the iDRAC7 was released for generation 12 servers. iDRAC 7 does not work on earlier generation servers although some of the new functions introduced with iDRAC 7 might be offered in iDRAC 6 releases. As of May 2019, the current version was 2.63.60.62.

What is Dell Remote Access Controller 8?

The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller 8 (iDRAC8) provides comprehensive, embedded management across the PowerEdge family of servers, automation that lets your organization grow, and security that ensures peace of mind. From the variety of tools and technologies in the OpenManage portfolio, you can build a management solution that matches your needs, and by leveraging iDRAC, ensures optimal server management.

How to find the service tag on Dell?

Navigate to Dell.com/support and select the server model or enter the service tag.

Does Dell iDRAC support TLS?

Security is a top priority for iDRAC users. With that in mind, the iDRAC web interface, remote RACADM utility, and WS-Man interfaces all support TLS 1.2. Every web page served by the iDRAC web server is delivered with TLS encryption (unless configured otherwise). Dell also supports encryption on the virtual KVM (virtual console redirection) and virtual media over TLS. The iDRAC Virtual Console and Media also benefit from SSL encryption. Additionally, the iDRAC firmware is equipped with a default security certificate, which can be replaced by a customer with one of their own choosings.

Does Dell EMC require a reboot?

This ensures the best performance as well as the latest security updates and bug fixes. iDRAC updates do not require a reboot fo the host, allowing for in place updates. The iDRAC8 firmware version for a server model may vary from other server models with iDRAC8. To download the latest iDRAC8 firmware for your system:

What is Dell Remote Access Controller 7?

The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller 7 (iDRAC7) provides comprehensive, embedded management across the PowerEdge family of servers, automation that lets your organization grow, and security that ensures peace of mind. From the variety of tools and technologies in the OpenManage portfolio, you can build a management solution that matches your needs, and by leveraging iDRAC, ensures optimal server management.

How to find the service tag on Dell?

Navigate to Dell.com/support and select the server model or enter the service tag.

Does Dell EMC require a reboot?

This ensures the best performance as well as the latest security updates and bug fixes. iDRAC updates do not require a reboot of the host, allowing for in place updates. The iDRAC7 firmware version for a server model may vary from other server models with iDRAC7. To download the latest iDRAC7 firmware for your system:

What is idrac console?

The iDRAC's virtual console manages a remote system using the keyboard, video, and mouse of the management station to control the corresponding devices on a managed server. This is a licensed feature for rack and tower servers. It is available by default in blade servers. Contact Sales team if you require an upgrade iDRAC License or to download iDRAC Trial License to enable the iDRAC virtual console for a 30 day evaluation.

What is virtual console viewer?

The Virtual Console Viewer provides various controls. Such as mouse synchronization, virtual console scaling, chat options, keyboard macros, power actions, next boot devices, and access to Virtual Media function. Virtual media allows the managed server to access media devices on the management station or ISO CD/DVD images on a network share as if they were devices on the managed server. Using the Virtual Media feature to:

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Overview

The Dell Remote Access Controller, or DRAC, is an out-of-band management platform on certain Dell servers. The platform may be provided on a separate expansion card, or integrated into the main board; when integrated, the platform is referred to as iDRAC.
It mostly uses separate resources to the main server resources, and provides a browser-based or command-line interface (or both) for managing and monitoring the server hardware.

Features

The controller has its own processor, memory, network connection, and access to the system bus. Key features include power management, virtual media access and remote console capabilities, all available through a supported web browser or command-line interface. This gives system administrators the ability to configure a machine as if they were sitting at the local console (terminal).

Versions

The Dell Remote Access Controllers (DRAC) and the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controllers (iDRAC) come in different versions, where a new (i)DRAC version is often linked to a new generation of Poweredge servers.
The hardware is often integrated on the motherboard of the server, and the combined product is termed iDRAC, where the "i" is for integrated. When iDRAC Express is used, the software and har…

Power management

With the DRAC enabled and using its own separate network connection, a user may login and reboot the system even if the core operating system has crashed. If the operating system has loaded the correct drivers, the DRAC will attempt to shut down the system gracefully. Without this feature and with the system running, administrators can use the remote console to access the operating system too.

Remote console

The remote console features of the DRAC allow an administrator to interface with the computer as if sitting in front of it, and one can share the local inputs from keyboard and mouse as well as video output (DRAC does not support remote sound). Remote-console capability relies on either an Active X or Java plug-in, or HTML5 in the later models, which displays a window showing the video output on the local terminal and which takes mouse and keyboard input. This behavior clo…

Virtual media

The DRAC enables a user to mount remotely shared disk-images as if they were connected to the system. In combination with the remote console, this gives administrators the ability to completely re-install an operating system, a task which traditionally required local console access to the physical machine. Administrators can control virtual media through the browser or through the OpenManage tools provided by Dell, though specific versions of browsers restrict some funct…

Access

The main DRAC management takes place via a web interface. All generations of the DRAC use the default user name root and the default password calvin. Starting with the DRAC 3, Microsoft Active Directory can also provide authentication either with Dell AD Schema Extensions or Standard Schema.

Implementation

The DRAC5 and iDRAC6 and higher are embedded platforms running Linux and Busybox. The firmware source code is available on the Dell website, but it is not possible to compile the source into a replacement firmware as Dell does not include a build environment.
The DRAC provides remote access to the system console (keyboard and screen) allowing the system BIOS to be accessed over the Internet when the server is rebooted. This is done by confi…

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