Users Guide

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 concepts
Configuring iDRAC using server configuration profile on USB device on page 273
Related tasks
Accessing iDRAC interface over direct USB connection on page 272
Topics:
• Accessing iDRAC interface over direct USB connection
• Configuring iDRAC using server configuration profile on USB device
Accessing iDRAC interface over direct USB
connection
The iDRAC direct feature allows you to directly connect your laptop to the iDRAC USB port. This feature allows you to interact
directly with the iDRAC interfaces such as the web interface, RACADM, and WSMan for advanced server management and
servicing.
Use a Type A/A cable to connect the laptop to the server.
When iDRAC behaves as a USB device and the management port mode is set to Automatic, iDRAC always uses the USB port.
The port does not switch automatically to the OS.
For a list of supported browsers and operating system, see the Release Notes available at Dell.com/idracmanuals.
NOTE: If you are using Windows operating systems, you may need to install an RNDIS driver to use this feature.
To access the iDRAC interface over the USB port:
1. Turn off any wireless networks and disconnect from any other hard wired network.
2. Ensure that the USB port is enabled. For more information, see Configuring USB management port settings on page 273.
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.
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272 Using USB port for server management