User's Manual

NOTE: For information about installing a CMC, see the VRTX Owner’s Manual. For instructions about
installing CMC firmware on your standby CMC, see Updating Firmware.
CMC Failsafe Mode
Similar to the failover protection offered by the redundant CMC, the PowerEdge VRTX enclosure enables
the fail-safe mode to protect the servers and I/O module from not functioning. The fail-safe mode is
enabled when a CMC is not in control of the chassis. During the CMC failover period, or during a single
CMC management loss:
• You cannot turn on the newly installed servers.
• You cannot remotely access existing servers.
• Server performance reduces to limit power consumption until management of the CMC is restored.
The following are some of the conditions that can result in CMC management loss:
• CMC removal — Chassis management resumes after replacing CMC, or after failover to standby CMC.
• CMC network cable removal or network connection loss — Chassis management resumes after the
chassis fails over to the standby CMC. Network failover is only enabled in redundant CMC mode.
• CMC reset — Chassis management resumes after CMC reboots or chassis fails over to the standby
CMC.
• CMC failover command issued — Chassis management resumes after the chassis fails over to the
standby CMC.
• CMC firmware update — Chassis management resumes after CMC reboots or chassis fails over to the
standby CMC. It is recommended that you update the standby CMC first so that there is only one
failover event.
• CMC error detection and correction — Chassis management resumes after CMC resets or chassis fails
over to the standby CMC.
NOTE: You can configure the enclosure either with a single CMC or with redundant CMCs. In
redundant CMC configurations, if the primary CMC loses communication with the enclosure or
the management network, the standby CMC takes over the chassis management.
Active CMC Election Process
There is no difference between the two CMC slots; that is, slot does not indictate precedence. Instead,
CMC that is installed or started first, assumes the role of an active CMC. If AC power is applied with two
CMCs installed, CMC installed in CMC chassis slot 1 normally assumes the active role. The active CMC is
indicated by a blue LED.
If two CMCs are inserted into a chassis that is already turned on, automatic active- or standby negotiation
can take upto two minutes. Normal chassis operation resumes when the negotiation is complete.
Obtaining Health Status of Redundant CMC
You can view the health status of the standby CMC in the web interface. For more information about
accessing CMC health status in the web interface, see Viewing Chassis Information and Monitoring
Chassis and Component Health.
Configuring Front Panel
You can configure the following:
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