Using iDRAC with a Dell R440 or R740 Server

This Chapter provides step-by-step instructions for using the integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) Enterprise Version to install DMF software images on Dell server hardware.

This Chapter was validated using iDRAC Enterprise. The instructions are similar for the following installation options.
  • DMF Controller Release 6.3.1 on the Dell R440 Server
  • Analytics 6.3.1 on the Dell R440 Server
  • DMF Recorder on the Dell R740 Server

The instructions in this document tested using MAC OS are similar to those tested using Windows OS. You can use Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Safari browsers to access the iDRAC web interface.

Note: DMF Controller Nodes, Arista Analytics Nodes, DMF Recorder Nodes, and DMF Service Nodes using Dell R440/R640/R740 server hardware include an iDRAC Enterprise license.

Setting Up and Configuring iDRAC

To set up iDRAC on a Dell R440 or R740 server, complete the following steps.

Procedure

  1. Power on the Dell PowerEdge Server.
  2. Connect a monitor to the VGA port and the keyboard to the USB port.
    Note: When using the serial port to connect to the R440 and the R740, set the baud rate to 115200.
  3. Press F2 to enter the System Setup Main Menu screen.
    Figure 1. System Setup Main Menu
  4. Select iDRAC Settings from the System Setup Main Menu (F2 > iDRAC Settings).
    Figure 2. iDRAC Settings
  5. Use the arrow keys to select Network.
    Figure 3. iDRAC Settings Network
  6. Select the Dedicated option from the NIC selection list for use with iDRAC. A dedicated IDRAC port is available on R440 and R740 Dell servers.
  7. Configure the iDRAC IPv4 address, netmask, gateway, and DNS addresses.
    Figure 4. iDRAC Settings Network (Completed Entries)
  8. After completing the iDRAC configuration, press the Esc key to display the Exit menu.
  9. Select Save Changes and Exit and then press Enter to keep the changes.
  10. From a web browser, type DRAC-IPv4-address in the browser address bar and press Enter.
    The system displays the iDRAC web interface.
    Figure 5. iDRAC Web Interface Login Window
  11. Enter the username and password.
    Default iDRAC Login

    The default iDRAC login credentials are as follows:

    Note:
    • Username: root
    • Password: calvin

    Secure Password

    For iDRAC9, a new feature called secure password is available.
    1. The iDRAC secure password is on the back of the system information tag (Service Tag) under “iDRAC Default Password,” as shown below.
    2. The default password should be blank if you have not opted for secure default access to iDRAC. The default username and password (root/calvin) apply in this case.
    Figure 6. Sticker with secure default password
    Table 1.
    1 Information tag (Top view) 3 OpenManage Mobile (OMM) label
    2 Information tag (Bottom view) 4 iDRAC MAC address and iDRAC secure password label
    Figure 6. Change the Default Password
  12. To change the default password, type the new password, when prompted, and type it again to confirm.
    In this example, the password stayed the same.
  13. Log in to the iDRAC web interface using the new credentials (if changed).
  14. Using the Virtual Console window option, click Launch Virtual Console.
    Figure 8. System Summary Page
  15. When prompted at the bottom of the screen, click Keep to confirm the operation.
    Figure 9. System Summary Page
  16. Click the viewer.jnlp link, as shown in the following example.
    Figure 10. System Summary Page
  17. When prompted, open the viewer.jnlp file.
    Figure 11. System Summary Page
    Note: Java is required, and the correct version downloads automatically.
    Figure 12. System Summary: Continue Prompt
  18. When prompted, click Continue.
    Figure 13. System Summary: Run Prompt
  19. When prompted, click Run.
    Figure 14. Confirm Connection to Untrusted Network
  20. When prompted to continue with an untrusted certificate, click Run.
    Figure 15. System Summary: Confirmation Prompt
  21. When prompted, click OK.
    iDRAC launches the virtual console window.

Using iDRAC to Install a DMF Controller, Analytics, or Recorder Software Image

Before beginning, set up iDRAC as described in the Setting Up and Configuring iDRAC section, and then complete the instructions in this section. The procedure is similar for installing DMF Controller, Analytics, and Recorder software images.

After installing the software image using iDRAC, complete the installation and initial configuration described in this document's previous chapters.

To use iDRAC to install the software image, complete the following steps:

  1. Direct your browser to the iDRAC web interface and log in to launch the iDRAC virtual console.
    Figure 16. iDRAC Virtual Console Window
  2. Select Virtual Media > Connect Virtual Media.
    Figure 17. Virtual Media Connect Virtual Media Option
  3. Click Virtual Media again, and select Map CD/DVD this time.
    Figure 18. Virtual Media Map CD/DVD Option
  4. Click Browse to select the ISO file you want to install.
    Figure 19. Virtual Media Map CD/DVD Browse Option
  5. Select the Analytics, DMF Controller, or Recorder software image to install and click Open.
    The following example shows selecting the Arista Analytics image.
    Figure 20. Open DMF Controller ISO Image
  6. Click Map Device.
    Figure 21. Map Device

    This action maps the DMF Controller ISO file to a Virtual CD/DVD on the Virtual Media menu.

    Figure 22. Virtual Media DMF Controller ISO Mapped to a Virtual CD/DVD
  7. Click Next Boot.
    Figure 23. Next Boot Menu
  8. Select Virtual CD/DVD from the Next Boot menu.
  9. When prompted, click OK.
    Figure 24. Next Boot Confirmation Prompt
  10. Click Power and select Restart System (warm boot).
    Figure 25. Power Restart System (warm boot)
  11. When prompted, click OK.
    Figure 26. Power Control Confirmation Prompt
    When the server boots up, it selects the Virtual CD/DVD as the boot device.
    Figure 27. Booting from Virtual CD/DVD
    The server displays its status as it boots from Virtual CD/DVD.
    Figure 28. Server Boot Status
    Note: Depending on the network speed, it may take a while to download the ISO image to the server.
    Figure 29. Server Boot Status
  12. When prompted, type yes to install the DMF Controller image on the server.
    Figure 30. Installation Prompt