ASMB2 Server Management Board
E2244 First edition V1 November 2005 Copyright © 2005 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Contents Notices ................................................................................................. v Safety information .............................................................................. vi About this guide ................................................................................ vii ASMB2 specifications summary .......................................................... ix Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! ....................................................
Contents Chapter 3: Software support 3.1 ASUS Remote Console (ARC) ............................................... 3-2 3.1.1 ARC sections .......................................................... 3-3 3.1.2 Connecting to the remote server ........................... 3-6 3.1.3 Retrieving sensor information ................................. 3-8 3.1.4 Displaying FRU information ................................... 3-10 3.1.5 Displaying system event logs ............................... 3-11 3.1.
Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference, and • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the server. • When adding or removing devices to or from the server, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing server before you add a device. • Before connecting or removing signal cables from the server, ensure that all power cables are unplugged.
About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the server management board. How this guide is organized This guide contains the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the server management board features and the new technologies it supports. • Chapter 2: Installation This chapter provides instructions on how to install the board to the server system and install the utilities that the board supports.
Conventions used in this guide To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. D A N G E R / W A R N I N G : Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. C A U T I O N : Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. I M P O R T A N T : Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. N O T E : Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
ASMB2 specifications summary IPMI features IPMI - CPU 16-bit H8S/2000 core 33 MHz Chipset Renesas H8S/2168 Internal RAM 40 KB Internal ROM 256 KB Interrupt I2C, Timer, UART, LPC Timers 16-bit system timer Watchdog timer System Interface Low Pin Count Supports Keyboard Controller Style (KCS) Serial/Modem Interface Basic Mode LAN Interface IPMI 2.
x
This chapter describes the server management board features and the new technologies it supports.
1.1 Welcome! T h a n k y o u f o r b u y i n g a n A S U S® A S M B 2 s e r v e r m a n a g e m e n t board! The ASUS ASMB2 is an Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) 2.0-compliant board that allows you to monitor, control, and manage a remote server from the local or central server in your local area network (LAN). The ASMB2 comes with the proprietary ASUS Remote Console (ARC) application that offers round-the-clock remote server monitoring through the component sensors.
1.3 Board layout The ASUS ASMB2 comes in a BMC package. The illustration below shows the major components of the server management board. Server management chip BMC heartbeat LED Board connectors LED indicators The ASMB2 board comes with a BMC heartbeat LED. Refer to the table below for the LED indications. LED Name Status Description LED1 BMC Heartbeat Blinking Off ASMB2 firmware is in execution. The ASMB2 firmware is corrupted or the server system standby-power is off. 1.
1.5 Network and smart phone setup The ASMB2 server management board installed on the remote server connects to a local/central server via direct LAN connection or through a network hub. Below are the supported server management configurations.
This chapter provides instructions on how to install the board to the server system and install the utilities that the board supports.
2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install the server management board to the remote server system. 2.2 • Unplug the server system power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
4. Press the board firmly until the BMC socket retaining clips snap back and secure the board in place. When installed, the board appears as shown. 5. Reinstall the server system cover, then connect the power plug to a grounded wall socket. 6. Insert the LAN cable plug to the LAN port for server management. Refer to the Appendix for the location of the LAN port for server management on various server motherboards. 7.
To uninstall the board: 2-4 1. Simultaneously push the BMC socket retaining clips outward until the board tilts up. 2. Carefully pull the board out from the BMC socket, then set aside.
2.3 Firmware update You need to update the Broadcom® IPMI and ASMB2 firmware before you start using the ASMB2 board. 2.3.1 For motherboards without ASF function support To update the firmware: 1. Insert the support CD into the optical drive. 2. Restart the remote server, then press during POST to enter the BIOS setup. Go to B o o t menu and set the Boot Device Priority item to [CD-ROM]. 3. 4. 5. When finished, press to save your changes and exit the BIOS setup.
2.4 BIOS remote console You need to adjust the Remote Access settings in the BIOS setup of the remote server for correct configuration and connection to the cental server. Update the remote server BIOS file following the instructions in the motherboard/system user guide. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. To adjust the Remote Access settings: 1. 2. 3. Restart the remote server, then press during POST to access the BIOS setup.
2.5 ASMB2 configuration You must configure the network settings of both the remote server and the local/central server to establish communication for remote server control and monitoring. Prepare the support CD and a bootable floppy disk to configure the network settings. 2.5.1 Running the BIOS IPMI configuration To configure the IPMI in the BIOS: 1. 2. 3. Restart the remote server, then press during POST to enter the BIOS setup.
Boot Option Uses [System] Set this item to [System] if you want the BIOS to control the boot option. Set to [BMC] if you want the BMC to control the boot option OS Boot Timeout [Disabled] A systen reset occurs after the specified timeout if the operating system boot fails (does not connect to the Server Manager). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Timeout Value [ 0] Allows you to set the operating system boot timeout in minutes.
LAN Setting Allows you to set the BMC LAN Parameter settings. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Server Local IP Address Subnet Mask Gateway Address 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 Local IP Address • • • [ [ [ [ 0] 0] 0] 0] Subnet Mask • • • [ [ [ [ 0] 0] 0] 0] Gateway Address • • • [ [ [ [ 0] 0] 0] 0] Information to set the BMC IP address. Select Screen Select Item +- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2004, American Megatrends, Inc.
2.5.2 Running the ASMC utility The ASUS Server Management Card Utility allows you to know the MAC address of the server motherboard and to set the IP address. This utility is available from the support CD that came with the package. To run the ASMC utility: 1. Restart the remote server, then place the support CD to the optical drive. 2. Press (FreeDOS command prompt) when the screen prompts you to select from available boot options. 3.
ASMC Help Menu options Options Description -flash -load filename Update the ASMB2 firmware -sdr -save filename Save the SDR data to file -sdr -load filename Update the SDR data from file -kcs[smic/bt/pci_smic] NetFn command data.... Send IPMI command -bmc_ip [ip_addr] Write the BMC IP address (e.g., bmc_ip 10.10.10.20) --pet_ip_mac [ip_addr] [mac_addr] (e.g., pet_ip_mac 10.10.10.
5. Type a s m c - b m c _ i p x x x . x x x . x x x . x x xx, then press to assign any IP address to the remote server LAN port. The screen displays the request and response buffer. Write the remote server IP address in a piece of paper for reference. When finished, the utility returns to the DOS prompt. Make sure that the assigned IP address for both remote and local/central servers are in the same subnet. You can use the network settings utility in your OS to check. 6.
2.5.4 Using ASWM to update the ASMB2 firmware You can use the ASUS System Web-based Management (ASWM) application to update the ASMB2 firmware. To do this: 1. Download the latest ASMB2 firmware from the ASUS website (www.asus.com), then save the firmware file. 2. Launch the ASWM application. If ASWM is not yet installed on your server system, use the motherboard support CD to install the application. 3. Click the Configuration link, then select IPMI Flash from the menu. 3 4 5 4. 5.
2.6 Software installation You can monitor, control, or manage the remote server from the local/central server using the ASUS Remote Console (ARC). The ARC is a web-based application available from the support CD that came with the ASMB2 package. You must install the ARC on the local/central server to access the remote server. Before you install the ARC: 2.6.1 • For SNMP Service: View the Platform Event Trap (PET) information. See page 3-18 for details.
3. Follow the installation wizard instructions to install the utility. 2.6.2 Launching ARC To launch the ARC utility, click S t a r t > A l l P r o g r a m s > A S U S R e m o t e C o n s o l e > A S U S R e m o t e C o n s o l e from the Windows® desktop. OR Double-click the ASUS Remote Console icon on the Windows® desktop.
2-16 Chapter 2: Installation
This chapter tells you how to use the software applications that the server management board supports.
3.1 ASUS Remote Console (ARC) The ASUS Remote Console (ARC) is a web-based utility that allows you to monitor the remote host’s hardware information including temperatures, fan rotations, voltages, and power. This application also lets you instantly power on/off or reset the remote server. 1 2 3 4 5 6 The ARC window is made up of six sections: 1. 2. M e n u bar T o o l bar 5. N a v i g a t i o n window D e t a i l / S E L window E v e n t window, and 6. S t a t u s bar 3. 4.
3.1.1 ARC sections Menu bar The Menu bar contains all the commands for the ARC application. Click on a menu to display a list of available commands.
Some remote server information (such as the SDR) contains several sensor groups such as T e m p e r a t u r e e, V o l t a g e e, and F a n n. Click before the remote server information to display the sensor groups. Click before a sensor group to display individual sensors. For example, clicking before the sensor group T e m p e r a t u r e displays the CPU1 and system temperatures. Sensor groups Sensors You can also change the server directory display by clicking the buttons on top of the window.
Detail/SEL window The Detail/SEL window displays the detailed SDR and FRU information, and the System Event Log (SEL). The window provides the link for detailed sensor information or system events and allows you to adjust the sensor threshold values. Event window The Event window displays the Platform Event Trap (PET) received by the ARC. The PET information includes the event index, source IP address, enterprise, community, generic and specific traps, and time ticks.
3.1.2 Connecting to the remote server To connect to the remote server: 1. From the menu bar, click S e r v e rr, then select N e w w. An Add new server c o n n e c t i o n window appears. 2. Type the remote server name and IP address on the fields. Click S a v e D e f a u l t to set the remote server connection as the default. Otherwise, click O K to continue or C a n c e l to close the window.
The navigation window displays the remote server. The available remote server information are displayed on the Detail/SEL window. 4. Use any of these options to connect to the server: • Click before the remote server to display the remote server information, then select from the list. • Double-click a remote server information from the Detail/SEL window. Click S e r v e rr, then select C o n n e c tt. • 5. When prompted, enter the default user name (admin) and password (admin). 6.
3.1.3 Retrieving sensor information The Sensor Data Record (SDR) provides remote server system information through available sensors including CPU/system/power temperatures, voltages, fan speeds, chassis intrusion, etc. The SDR also provides information on the sensor location (e.g. CPU1, CPU2, FAN1), event generation, and access information. To retrieve a sensor information: 1. From the navigation window, click before the server name to display the remote server information. 2.
3. Click M o r e e. A sensor window appears displaying additional information on the sensor. The I n f o r m a t i o n tab displays basic sensor information including the sensor name, current status, current value, and sensor type. The tab also displays the sensor record ID and SDR version. 4. Click the S e t t i n g s tab to adjust the sensor threshold values. Click on the up/down arrow button after each threshold value to adjust. Click O K to close the window.
3.1.4 Displaying FRU information The Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) information provides the manufacturer, product name, and/or serial number of various modules and components installed on the remote server. For example, the FRU feature can display the remote server motherboard name, model, and serial number. You can use this feature when retrieving information on a module or component installed on the remote server.
3.1.5 Displaying system event logs The System Event Log (SEL) is a non-volatile storage area where all remote server system events are stored for real-time tracking or later retrieval. The ARC application can display system events for efficient remote server monitoring and troubleshooting. To display the sytem events: 1. From the navigation window, click before the server connection, then click S E L L. The status bar displays the progress of the SEL download.
3 ..1 1.6 Using Remote Console The Remote Console feature lets you see the remote server screen (text only) and is useful when you update the remote server BIOS file or adjust the BIOS settings. Refer to section “3.1.9 Updating the remote server BIOS file” for details on remote BIOS update. To display the remote server console, press the R e m o t e C o n s o l e item from the navigation window. The remote server screen appears in the Detail/SEL window.
3.1.7 Displaying all remote server sensors To display all remote server sensors in graphical format: 1. From the navigation window, click the remote server information. 2. Click A l l S e n s o r s v a l u e e. All remote server sensors are displayed on the Information window in graphical format. before the server name to open The color bar represents the upper/lower threshold values of each sensor. The green pointer indicates the current value of the sensor.
3.1.8 Adjusting the monitoring settings The ARC application allows you to adjust the remote server monitoring settings including SEL polling, SDR reading, ASF, and PET. To adjust the monitoring settings: 1. Click S e r v e r on the menu bar, then select S e t t i n g from the drop-down menu. A S e r v e r S e t t i n g s window appears. 2. Click on the up/down arrow button after each setting to adjust the value. 3. Click O K to save your changes and close the window.
Enabling the Short Message Service (SMS) feature The Short Message Service or SMS feature allows you to receive Platform Event Trap (PET) information on your smart phone (ASUS P505). You must install Microsoft® ActiveSync® before you enable the SMS feature. Visit www.microsoft.com to download Microsoft® ActiveSync® . To enable the SMS feature: 1. 2. 3. Check the box before the Enable Short Message Service feature e. Key-in the mobile or PDA phone number in the box, then press OK K.
3.1.9 Updating the remote server BIOS file The ASMB2 features a remote BIOS file update capability that allows you to update the BIOS file of the remote server when the file gets outdated or corrupted. Make sure to download and save the latest BIOS file for the remote server motherboard. Visit the ASUS website for the latest BIOS file. To update the remote server BIOS file: 1. 2. Download and save the latest BIOS file for the remote server motherboard.
3.1.10 Controlling the remote server power ARC allows you to power up, power down, or reset the remote server using the power menu. Before turning off or resetting the remote server, make sure that it is not being used and that no application is currently running on it to avoid data loss. To power down the remote server: 1. Click C o n t r o l on the menu bar, then select P o w e r d o w n from the drop-down menu. OR Click the power down button on the tool bar. 2.
3.1.11 Viewing PET information The Platform Event Trap or PET is an SNMP trap used for system management alerts. When the ARC receives a PET, it displays a pop-up window notifying you of the alert and its source (IP address). Right-click the window to close. You need to install an SNMP service to the remote server to receive PET information. To install an SNMP service to the remote service: 1. On the Windows® taskbar, click S t a r t > S e t t i n g s > C o n t r o l P a n e ll. 2.
4. Double-click M a n a g e m e n t a n d M o n i t o r i n g T o o l ss. 5. Select S i m p l e N e t w o r k Management Protocol ( S N M P )). Click O K K. 6.
I m p o r t a n t n o t i c e f o r W i n d o w s® X P ( S e r v i c e P a c k 2 ) u s e r s If the remote server system is behind a firewall, you must create a UDP port to receive PET information. To create a UDP port: Double-click the M y C o m p u t e r icon from the Windows® desktop, then click the M y N e t w o r k P l a c e s link. 2. Click the V i e w n e t w o r k c o n n e c t i o n s link, then select the LAN connection the remote server system is using. 3.
3.2 ASUS Host Management Controller Setup The ASUS Host Management Controller Setup utility provides precise configuration and basic functions including System Event Log (SEL) generation and System Data Record (SDR) reading in DOS mode. This utility also supplies configuration sequences for the type of host interface as well as direct real-time monitoring of system information including CPU temperature(s), fan speeds and system voltages. 3.2.
3.2.2 Command fields The utility menu bar has five commands: Initial, View, Set, Monitor and Help. You can select a command using the left or right arrow button on the keyboard. After selecting a command, use the down arrow key to display available options. Select a command, then press to execute. Menu options Menu bar 3.2.3 Initial The Initial command allows you to clear the SEL information or exit the utility.
To view the System Data Record (SDR): 1. Select B M C S D R from the V i e w command option, then press . A complete list of data records appears on the left pane. The right pane displays the sensor data information. The number on the bottom left of the screen indicates the data record displayed in the right window pane over the total number of sensor data records in the remote host. 2. Use the down arrow key to display the next sensor data record. 3. Press to return to the main screen.
To view the BMC information: 1. Select B M C I n f o from the V i e w command option, then press . A list of BMC information appears on the left pane. 2. Use the down arrow button to select a BMC information. The BMC information is displayed in the right pane. 3. Press to return to the main screen.
3.2.5 Set The S e t command controls the host interface type and the correct BMC time. To select the host interface: 1. Select H o s t I n t e r f a c e from the S e t command option, then press . The screen displays the host interfaces supported by the server management board. 2. Use the down arrow button to select a host interface, then press . You can select from the following interfaces: KCS Interface SMIC Interface BF Interface PCI Interface 3.
3.2.6 Monitor The M o n i t o r command displays real-time data on the remote server system and CPU temperatures, voltages, and fan speeds. To display a remote server information: 1. Select a sensor from the M o n i t o r command options, then press . A list of server information appears on the left pane. 2. Use the down arrow button to select a monitor information. The selected monitor information details are displayed in the right pane. 3. Press to return to the main screen. 3.2.
The Appendix shows the location of the LAN port for server management and BMC socket on several motherboards. This section also presents common problems that you may encounter when installing or using the server management board.
A.1 LAN port for server management The ASUS server motherboards that support the ASMB2 comes with two LAN (RJ-45) ports: one for network connection and the other for server management. For easy identification, the LAN port for server management is the LAN port near the VGA port. You must use the LAN port for server management to connect the remote server to the local/central host (direct LAN connection) or to the network hub or router.
A.2 BMC socket The ASUS server motherboards that support the ASMB-LE comes with a Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) socket. Refer to the illustrations below to locate the BMC socket on different server motherboards.
PANEL1 AUX_PANEL1 HDLED1 FPSMB A-4 SB_PWR1 FRNT_FAN1 FRNT_FAN3 USB34 CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power CPU2 FRNT_FAN2 FRNT_FAN4 BCM5721 LAN2_EN1 CPU1 LAN1_EN1 nVIDIA nForce Professional 2200 68 34 VGA_EN1 PSUSMB1 RECOVERY1 CLRTC1 SATA3 SATA4 SCSI_EN1 ® ATXPWR1 K8N-DRE REAR_FAN3 REAR_FAN2 USB12 KBPWR1 REAR_FAN4 COM1 PRI_IDE1 J1 REAR_FAN1 BUZZ1 33cm (13in) ATX12V1 BCM5721 VGA1 DDR1 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,184-pin module) COM2 LAN1 DDR1 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,184-pin module) SEC_IDE1
A.3 Troubleshooting This troubleshooting guide provides answers to some common problems which you may encounter while installing and/or using ASUS ASMB-LE. These problems requires simple troubleshooting that you can perform by yourself. Contact the Wireless LAN Technical Support if you encounter problems not mentioned in this section. Problem The local/central server cannot connect to the ASMB-LE board. Solution 1. Check if the LAN cable is connected to the LAN port for server management.
A-6 Appendix: Reference information
