Embedded Server Management; Lifecycle Controller And Unified Server Configurator - Dell External OEMR R310 Technical Manual

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18.3

Embedded Server Management

The PowerEdge R310 implements circuitry for the next generation of embedded server management. It is
Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) v2.0 compliant. The optional 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. These periphery devices consist of the PSUs, the storage
backplane, integrated SAS HBA or PERC 6/I, and control panel with display.
The optional upgrade to 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.
18.4

Lifecycle Controller and Unified Server Configurator

Embedded management is comprised of four key components:
•
Dell Lifecycle Controller
•
Dell Unified Server Configurator
•
iDRAC6 (Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller)
•
vFlash (virtual flash media)
Lifecycle Controller powers the embedded management features. It is integrated and tamperproof storage
for system-management tools and enablement utilities (firmware, drivers, etc.).
Dell Unified Server Configurator (USC) is a local 1:1 graphical user interface embedded on Lifecycle
Controller that aids in local server provisioning in a pre-OS environment. For servers with iDRAC Express, the
Lifecycle Controller offers OS install, platform updates, platform configuration, and diagnostics capabilities.
For servers without iDRAC6 Express, this utility has limited functionality and offers OS install and diagnostics
capabilities only.
To access the Unified Server Configurator, press the <F10> key within 10 seconds of the Dell logo's
appearance during the system boot process. Current functionality enabled by the Unified Server
Configurator is detailed in the following table.
Dell PowerEdge R310 Technical Guide 71