Specifications

Dell
PowerEdge R715 Technical Guide 50
15.3 Embedded Server Management
The PowerEdge R715 implements circuitry for the next generation of Embedded Server Management.
It is Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) v2.0 compliant. The iDRAC (Integrated Dell
Remote Access Controller) is responsible for acting as an interface between the host system and its
management software and the periphery devices.
iDRAC6 provides features for managing the server remotely or in data center lights-out
environments.
Advanced iDRAC features require the installation of the optional iDRAC6 Enterprise card.
15.4 Lifecycle Controller and Unified Server Configurator
Embedded management is comprised of several interdependent pieces:
• Lifecycle Controller
• Unified Server Configurator
• iDRAC6
• vFlash
Lifecycle controller powers the embedded management features. It is integrated and tamperproof
storage for system-management tools and enablement utilities (firmware, drivers, etc.). It is flash
partitioned to support multiple, future-use cases.
Dell Unified Server Configurator (USC) is a local 1:1 graphical user interface embedded on Lifecycle
Controller that aids in local server provisioning in a pre-OS environment. Lifecycle Controller offers
OS install, platform updates, platform configuration, and diagnostics capabilities.
To access the Unified Server Configurator, press the <F10> key within 10 seconds of the Dell logo’s
appearance during the system boot process. Current functionality enabled by the Unified Server
Configurator includes those shown in Table 18.
Table 18. Unified Server Configurator Features and Description
Feature
Description
Faster O/S Installation
Drivers and the installation utility are embedded on system, so no
need to scour Dell.com
Faster System Updates
Integration with Dell support automatically directed to latest
versions of the Unified Server Configurator, iDRAC, RAID, BIOS, NIC,
and Power Supply
Update Rollback
Ability to recover to previous ―known good state‖ for all updatable
components
More Comprehensive Diagnostics
Diagnostic utilities are embedded on system
Simplified Hardware Configuration
Detects RAID controller and allows user to configure virtual disk and
choose virtual disk as boot device, eliminating the need to launch a
separate utility. Also provides configuration for iDRAC, BIOS, and
NIC/LOM.