Embedded Server Management; Lifecycle Controller And Unified Server Configurator; Idrac6 Express; Table 25 - Dell PowerEdge R310 Technical Manual

Dell

Embedded Server Management

18.3
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.

Lifecycle Controller and Unified Server Configurator

18.4
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 Table 25.

Table 25.

Feature
Faster O/S Installation
Faster System Updates
Update Rollback
More Comprehensive Diagnostics
Simplified Hardware Configuration

iDRAC6 Express

18.5
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:

Dell PowerEdge R310 Technical Guide

Unified Server Configurator Features and Description

Description
Drivers and the installation utility are embedded on
system
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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