Users Guide

SSH has improved security over Telnet. iDRAC only supports SSH version 2 with password authentication, and is enabled by
default. iDRAC supports up to two SSH sessions and two Telnet sessions at a time. It is recommended to use SSH as Telnet is
not a secure protocol. You must use Telnet only if you cannot install an SSH client or if your network infrastructure is secure.
NOTE: While establishing SSH connection, a security message is displayed 'Further Authentication required', as iDRAC now
supports 'Keyboard interactive authentication' for enhanced security.
Use open-source programs such as PuTTY or OpenSSH that support SSH and Telnet network protocols on a management
station to connect to iDRAC.
NOTE: Run OpenSSH from a VT100 or ANSI terminal emulator on Windows. Running OpenSSH at the Windows command
prompt does not result in full functionality (that is, some keys do not respond and no graphics are displayed).
Before using SSH or Telnet to communicate with iDRAC, make sure to:
1. Configure BIOS to enable Serial Console.
2. Configure SOL in iDRAC.
3. Enable SSH or Telnet using iDRAC Web interface or RACADM.
Telnet (port 23)/ SSH (port 22) client <−−> WAN connection <−−> iDRAC
The IPMI-based SOL that uses SSH or Telnet protocol eliminates the need for an additional utility because the serial to
network translation happens within iDRAC. The SSH or Telnet console that you use must be able to interpret and respond to
the data arriving from the serial port of the managed system. The serial port usually attaches to a shell that emulates an
ANSI- or VT100/VT220–terminal. The serial console is automatically redirected to the SSH or Telnet console.
Related tasks
Using SOL from PuTTY on Windows on page 117
Using SOL from OpenSSH or Telnet on Linux on page 117
Using SOL from PuTTY on Windows
NOTE:
If required, you can change the default SSH or Telnet time-out at Overview > iDRAC Settings > Network >
Services.
To start IPMI SOL from PuTTY on a Windows management station:
1. Run the following command to connect to iDRAC
putty.exe [-ssh | -telnet] <login name>@<iDRAC-ip-address> <port number>
NOTE: The port number is optional. It is required only when the port number is reassigned.
2. Run the command console com2 or connect to start SOL and boot the managed system.
A SOL session from the management station to the managed system using the SSH or Telnet protocol is opened. To access
the iDRAC command-line console, follow the ESC key sequence. Putty and SOL connection behavior:
● While accessing the managed system through putty during POST, if the Function keys and keypad option on putty is set
to:
○ VT100+ — F2 passes, but F12 cannot pass.
○ ESC[n~ — F12 passes, but F2 cannot pass.
● In Windows, if the Emergency Management System (EMS) console is opened immediately after a host reboot, the Special
Admin Console (SAC) terminal may get corrupted. Quit the SOL session, close the terminal, open another terminal, and
start the SOL session using the same command.
Related concepts
Disconnecting SOL session in iDRAC command line console on page 119
Using SOL from OpenSSH or Telnet on Linux
To start SOL from OpenSSH or Telnet on a Linux management station:
Setting up iDRAC communication
117