Operating instructions

Introduction 1-3
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The DRAC software architecture is built upon several independent software modules
that run under a specific operating system. The modules include hardware device
drivers, application services, management services, and user interfaces. The
following table summarizes the software modules for the DRAC.
Hardware device drivers allow applications and other system-level services to access
the DRAC hardware. These drivers are operating system-specific.
The DRAC Console Redirection Service provides the DRAC with the graphics screen
content to send to the remote console. When the system runs in text mode, the
DRAC hardware captures the screen content automatically.
NOTE: For graphical redirection, the remote server is performing the redirection
process; therefore, a percentage of available microprocessor time is consumed when
the process is active. Dell recommends that you stop console redirection when not
needed, to free up the server for its normal tasks. In addition, Dell recommends that
the managed server run in a low-resolution graphics mode (e.g., 800 x 600) and at a
maximum of 256 colors to minimize the redirection task.
Management services are operating-system-specific services that support standard
management protocols. An enterprise network system is typically run by a
management application. This application is based upon certain management
standards such as SNMP. Management through SNMP uses the in-band network.
The user interfaces for the DRAC are the Dell OpenManage Server Console for
configuring the card and the Dell OpenManage Remote Assistant for accessing the
card from a remote location.
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When you access a remote server using the DRAC, the Dell OpenManage Remote
Assistant application lets you see the remote server’s graphics as well as control the
keyboard and mouse on the server. This gives you full control over the remote server
including the ability to perform administrative tasks on the server.
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Hardware Device
Drivers
DRAC device driver under Microsoft
®
Windows NT
®
and Novell
®
NetWare
®
operating systems
Console Redirection
Service
Graphics capture service for Windows NT
Management Services SNMP extension agent under Windows NT and Novell
NetWare
User Interface Dell OpenManage Server Console and
Dell OpenManage Remote Assistant