Users Guide
20
Using USB port for server management
In Dell PowerEdge 12
th
generation servers, all USB ports are dedicated to the server. With the 13
th
generation of servers, one of the
front panel USB port is used by iDRAC for management purposes such as pre-provisioning and troubleshooting. The port has an
icon to indicate that it is a management port. All 13
th
generation servers with LCD panel support this feature. This port is not
available in a few of the 200-500 model variations without the LCD panel. In such cases, you may prefer to use these ports for the
server operating system.
NOTE: This feature is not supported on PowerEdge R930 servers.
When the USB port is used by iDRAC:
• The USB network interface enables use of existing out-of-band remote management tools from a portable device such as laptop
by using a USB type A/A cable connected to iDRAC. The iDRAC is assigned the IP address 169.254.0.3 and the management
device is assigned the IP 169.254.0.4.
• You can store a server configuration profile in the USB device and update the server configuration from the USB device.
NOTE: This feature is supported on:
• USB devices having FAT file system and has single partition.
• All Dell Windows 8 and Windows RT tablets, including the XPS 10 and The Venue Pro 8. For devices with USB-mini port,
such as the XPS 10 and the Venue Pro 8, use the On-The-Go (OTG) dongle and a Type-A/A cable.
Related links
Configuring iDRAC using server configuration profile on USB device
Accessing iDRAC interface over direct USB connection
Accessing iDRAC interface over direct USB connection
In 13
th
generation servers, the new iDRAC direct feature allows you to directly connect your laptop or PC USB port to the iDRAC
USB port. This allows you to interact directly with iDRAC interfaces (such as Web interface, RACADM, and WSMAN) for advanced
server management and servicing.
You must use a Type A/A cable to connect the laptop (a USB Host Controller) to the iDRAC in the server (a USB device).
When iDRAC behaves as a USB device and the management port mode is set to Automatic, the USB port is always used by iDRAC.
The port does not switch automatically to OS.
To access the iDRAC interface over the USB port:
1. Turn off any wireless networks and disconnect from any other hard wired network.
2. Make sure that the USB port is enabled. For more information, see Configuring usb management port settings.
3. Connect a Type A/A cable from the laptop to iDRAC’s USB port.
Management LED (if present) turns green and remains ON for two seconds.
4. Wait for the IP address to be assigned to the laptop (169.254.0.4) and iDRAC (169.254.0.3). This may take several seconds.
5. Start using iDRAC network interfaces such as Web interface, RACADM, or WS-Man.
6. When iDRAC is using the USB port, LED blinks indicating activity. Blink frequency is four per second.
7. After using, disconnect the cable.
The LED turns off.
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