Dell
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.
15.4 Lifecycle Controller and Unified Server Configurator
Embedded management is comprised of several interdependent pieces:
•
Lifecycle Controller
•
Unified Server Configurator
•
iDRAC6
•
vFlash
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.
Table 28.
Feature
Faster O/S Installation
Faster System Updates
Update Rollback
More Comprehensive Diagnostics
Simplified Hardware Configuration
15.5 iDRAC6 Express
The optional iDRAC6 Express is the first tier of iDRAC6 upgrades. In addition to upgrading the system with a
Lifecycle Controller, the iDRAC6 Express offers the following key features:
•
Graphical web interface
•
Standard-based interfaces
•
Server Sensor monitoring and fault alerting
•
Secure operation of remote access functions including authentication, authorization, and encryption
PowerEdge R510 Technical Guide
Unified Server Configurator Features and Description
Description
Drivers and the installation utility are embedded on
system, so no need to scour DELL.COM
Integration with Dell support automatically directed to
latest versions of the Unified Server Configurator,
iDRAC, RAID, BIOS, NIC, and Power Supply
Ability to recover to previous known good state for all
updatable components
Diagnostic utilities are embedded on system
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.
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