ASMB3-SOL PLUS Server Management Board
E3761 First Edition V1 April 2008 Copyright © 2008 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 Contents....................................................................................................... iii Notices........................................................................................................... v Safety information....................................................................................... vi About this guide......................................................................................... vii ASMB3-SOL PLUS specifications summary.............
Contents 3.1.5 Displaying system event logs..........................................3-11 3.1.7 Displaying all remote server sensors............................. 3-13 3.1.6 3.1.8 3.1.9 3.1.10 3.2 3.1.11 Adjusting the monitoring settings................................... 3-14 Updating the remote server BIOS file............................ 3-16 Controlling the remote server power.............................. 3-17 Viewing PET information................................................
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.
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.
Conventions used in this guide To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
ASMB3-SOL PLUS specifications summary IPMI features IPMI 2.
This chapter describes the server management board features and the new technologies it supports.
1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® ASMB3-SOL PLUS server management board! The ASUS ASMB3-SOL PLUS 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 ASMB3-SOL PLUS 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 ASMB3-SOL PLUS comes in a BMC package. The illustration below shows the major components of the server management board. External RAM Server management chip BMC heartbeat LED Board connectors LED indicators The ASMB3-SOL PLUS board comes with a BMC heartbeat LED. Refer to the table below for the LED indications. LED LED1 1.
1.5 Network and smart phone setup The ASMB3-SOL PLUS 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. 6. Reinstall the server system cover, then connect the power plug to a grounded wall socket. 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 and IP configuration You need to update the IPMI and ASMB3-SOL PLUS firmware before you start using the ASMB3-SOL PLUS board. 2.3.1 LAN firmware update IPMI firmware should be updated before the update of ASMB3-SOL PLUS firmware. Otherwise, the board may not function properly. To update the Intel® ESB2 LAN firmware: 1. Insert the support CD into the optical drive. 3. Go to Boot menu and set the Boot Device Priority item to [CD-ROM]. 2. 4. 5.
2.3.2 1. 2. ASMB3-SOL PLUS firmware update Repeat the step 1-4 in the previous sub-section. On reboot, the main menu appears.Select ASMB3-SOL PLUS Firmware Update, and press to enter the sub-menu. ASUS Server RS162-E4/RX4 System FreeDOS command prompt ESB2 ASF Firmware Update ESB2 IPMI Firmware Update ASMB3-SOL PLUS Firmware Update Configure BMC IP Source Static IP Configure BMC IP Source DHCP 3. A screen appears, showing the current (if any) firmware version, and the new firmware version.
2.3.3 1. 2. Configure BMC IP source static IP Repeat the step 1-4 in the previous sub-section. On reboot, the main menu appears.Select Configure BMC IP Source Static IP, and press to enter the sub-menu. ASUS Server RS162-E4/RX4 System FreeDOS command prompt ESB2 ASF Firmware Update ESB2 IPMI Firmware Update ASMB3-SOL PLUS Firmware Update Configure BMC IP Source Static IP Configure BMC IP Source DHCP 3.
2.3.4 1. 2. Configure BMC IP source DHCP Repeat the step 1-4 in the previous sub-section. On reboot, the main menu appears.Select Configure BMC IP Source DHCP, and press to enter the sub-menu. ASUS Server RS162-E4/RX4 System FreeDOS command prompt ESB2 ASF Firmware Update ESB2 IPMI Firmware Update ASMB3-SOL PLUS Firmware Update Configure BMC IP Source Static IP Configure BMC IP Source DHCP 3. A confirmation message appears, asking if you want to configure the BMC IP source static IP now.
2.4 BIOS configuration You need to adjust the settings in the BIOS setup of the remote server for correct configuration and connection to the central 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. 2.4.1 AMI BIOS setup Remote Access setup To adjust the Remote Access settings: 1.
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. 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. Go to the Server menu, then select the IPMI Configuration sub‑menu.
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 system 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. Server BIOS SETUP UTILITY Local IP Address Subnet Mask Gateway Address 192.168.1.200 255.255.255.0 0.0.0.0 DHCP Mode [Static] Local IP Address • • • Subnet Mask • • • Gateway Address • • • [192] [168] [ 1] [200] [255] [255] [255] [ 0] [ 0] [ 0] [ 0] [ 0] Information to set the BMC IP address. +F1 F10 ESC Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Exit v02.
2.4.2 Phoenix BIOS setup Console Redirection setup To adjust the Console Redirection settings: 1. 2. 3. Restart the remote server, then press during POST to access the BIOS setup. Go to the Server menu, select the Console Redirection sub-menu, then press . Set the following sub-menu items: • Com Port Address to [On-board COM B] or [On-board COM2 port] • Baudrate to [57.6K] • Console Type to [VT-UTF8] • Flow Control to [CTS/RTS] • Console connection to [Direct] • Continue C.R.
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. Go to the Server menu, then select the IPMI Configuration sub‑menu. Use this sub-menu to configure the IPMI settings. When finished, press to save your changes and exit the BIOS setup.
IPMI Specification Version This item shows the auto-detected IPMI specification version. BMC Firmware Version This item shows the auto-detected BMC firmware version System Event Logging [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the IPMI event logging feature. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Clear System Event Log [Disabled] Enabling this item forces the BIOS to clear the system event log on the next cold boot.
Date Separator [/] Allows you to choose which character to use in date entries. Configuration options: [.] [/] Scroll down to display more items. Main Advanced Server PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility Security Boot Exit Item Specific Help IPMI Display the System Event Log. System Event Log System Event Log (list mode) DHCP IP Address F1 Help ESC: Exit [Disabled] [192.168.000.
System Event Log (list mode) Press to open the System Event Log in list mode.
2.5 Running the ASMC2 utility The ASUS Server Management Card 2.0 (ASMC2) 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 ASMC2 utility: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Restart the remote server, then place the support CD to the optical drive. Press on FreeDOS command prompt when the screen prompts you to select from available boot options.
ASMC2 Help Menu options Options -flash -load filename -sdr -save filename -sdr -load filename -kcs[smic/bt/pci_smic] NetFn command data.... -bmc_ip_source source[1: Static, 2: DHCP] -bmc_ip [ip_addr] (e.g., bmc_ip 10.10.10.20) --pet_ip_mac [ip_addr] [mac_addr] (e.g., pet_ip_mac 10.10.10.20 010203040506) -adm_name new_name_string -user_name new_name_string -adm_password new_adm_password -user_password new_user_password -init_asmb -sol_baud [baud rate] (e.g.
2.5.1 Configuring the LAN controller Before you can establish connection to the ASMB3-SOL PLUS board, you must configure the LAN port for server management used by the remote server to connect to the local/central server. To configure the LAN port of the remote server: 1. On the prompt, type asmc2 -init_asmb, then press . The screen displays the auto-detected information including the system/motherboard name, and the IPMI2.0 interface. The screen also shows the status of the ASMB3-SOL PLUS.
7. Configure your (a) subnet mask and (b) gateway address if needed. (a) Type asmc2 -kcs 30 01 01 05 FF FF FF 00 (your subnet mask encoded in hexadecimal system) (b) Type asmc2 -kcs 30 01 01 0C 0A 0A 0A FE (your gateway address encoded in hexadecimal system) Refer to Appendix if you have trouble converting your subnet mask/gateway address to hexadecimal value representation. 8. 9. Type asmc2 -init_asmb to effect the configuration.
2.5.2 Using ASWM to update the ASMB3-SOL PLUS firmware You can use the ASUS System Web-based Management (ASWM) application to update the ASMB3-SOL PLUS firmware. To do this: 1. 2. 3. Download the latest ASMB3-SOL PLUS firmware from the ASUS website (www.asus.com), then save the firmware file. Launch the ASWM application. If ASWM is not yet installed on your server system, use the motherboard support CD to install the application. Click the Configuration link, then select IPMI Flash from the menu.
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 ASMB3-SOL PLUS 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 Start > All Programs > ASUS Remote Console > ASUS Remote Console from the Windows® desktop. OR Double-click the ASUS Remote Console icon on the Windows® desktop.
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. Menu bar 3. Navigation window 2. 4. 5. 6. Tool bar Detail/SEL window Event window, and Status bar Refer to the following sections for details.
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 Temperature, Voltage, and Fan. 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 Temperature 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 SEL (System Event Log). 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 Server, then select New. An Add new server connection window appears. 2. Type the remote server name and IP address on the fields. Click Save Default to set the remote server connection as the default. Otherwise, click OK to continue or Cancel to close the window. The default server connection name and IP address are automatically displayed everytime you add a new server connection. 3.
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: • Double-click a remote server information from the Detail/SEL window. • • 5. 6. Click before the remote server to display the remote server information, then select from the list. Click Server, then select Connect. When prompted, enter the default user name (admin) and password (admin).
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 remote server information. 2. Click before the SDR to display the sensor groups (e.g.
3. Click More. A sensor window appears displaying additional information on the sensor. The Information 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 Settings tab to adjust the sensor threshold values. Click on the up/down arrow button after each threshold value to adjust. Click OK 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 SEL. The status bar displays the progress of the SEL download.
3.1.6 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 Remote Console 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. 2. From the navigation window, click remote server information. before the server name to open the Click All Sensors value. All remote server sensors are displayed on the Information window in graphical format. 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 Server on the menu bar, then select General Setting from the drop‑down menu. A Server Settings window appears. 2. Click on the up/down arrow button after each setting to adjust the value. 3.
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. Check the box before the Enable Short Message Service feature. Click Set Phone List. 1 3. 4.
3.1.9 Updating the remote server BIOS file The ASMB3-SOL PLUS 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. 3. 4. 5. 6. 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 Control on the menu bar, then select Power down from the drop-down menu. Power Down 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: 3-18 1. On the Windows® taskbar, click Start > Settings > Control Panel. 2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
4. Double-click Management and Monitoring Tools. 5. Select Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). 6. Click OK.
Important notice for Windows® XP (Service Pack 2) users If the local server system is behind a firewall, you must create a UDP port to receive PET information. To create a UDP port: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Double-click the My Computer icon from the Windows® desktop, then click the My Network Places link. Click the View network connections link, then select the LAN connection the remote server system is using. Right-click the LAN connection, then select Properties from the drop-down menu.
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 Event Log (SEL): 1. 2. 3. Select BMC SEL from the View command option, then press . A complete list of system event records appear on the left pane. The right pane displayes the SEL information. The number on the left bottom of the window shows the system event displayed in the right window pane over the total number of system events in the remote host. Use the down arrow key to display the next sensor event. Press to return to the main screen.
To view the BMC information: 1. 2. 3. 3-24 Select BMC Info from the View command option, then press . A list of BMC information appears on the left pane. Use the down arrow button to select a BMC information. The BMC information is displayed in the right pane. Press to return to the main screen.
3.2.5 Set The Set command controls the host interface type and the correct BMC time. To select the host interface: 1. 2. Select Host Interface from the Set command option, then press . The screen displays the host interfaces supported by the server management board. 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 Monitor command displays real-time data on the remote server system and CPU temperatures, voltages, and fan speeds. To display a remote server information: 1. 2. 3. Select a sensor from the Monitor command options, then press . A list of server information appears on the left pane. Use the down arrow button to select a monitor information. The selected monitor information details are displayed in the right pane. 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 ASMB3-SOL PLUS 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 LAN1 port* (usually near the VGA port). You must use the LAN1 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.
A.3 1. 2. 3. 4. Converting decimal to hexadecimal Divide the decimal number by 16 and you will get a quotient and a remainder. Divide the quotient by 16 again to get another quotient and another remainder. Repeatedly divide the quotient by 16 until the quotient is 0. Encoded all the remainders in the hexadecimal system. Conversion table Decimal 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Hexadecimal 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A 5.
A.4 Troubleshooting This troubleshooting guide provides answers to some common problems that you may encounter while installing and/or using ASUS ASMB3-SOL PLUS. These problems require 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 ASMB3-SOL PLUS board. Solution 1.
A-6 Appendix: Reference information
