White Papers

6 RESTful Server Configuration with iDRAC RESTful API
 A programmatic interface that can be easily controlled through scripts
 Ability to meet the Open Compute Project’s Remote Machine Management requirements
 Based on widely used standards for web APIs and data formats
Redfish has been designed to support the full range of server architectures from monolithic servers to
converged infrastructure and hyper scale architecture. The Redfish data model, which defines the structure
and format of data representing server status, inventory, and available operational functions, is vendor-
neutral. Administrators can then create management automation scripts that can manage any Redfish
compliant server. This is crucial for the efficient operation of a heterogeneous server fleet.
Using Redfish also has significant security benefits—unlike legacy management protocols, Redfish utilizes
HTTPS encryption for secure and reliable communication. All Redfish network traffic, including event
notifications, can be sent encrypted across the network.
Redfish provides a highly organized and easily accessible method to interact with a server using scripting
tools. The web interface employed by Redfish is supported by many programming languages and its tree-like
structure makes information easier to locate. Data returned from a Redfish query can be turned into a
searchable dictionary consisting of key-value-pairs. By looking at the values in the dictionary, it is easy to
locate settings and current status of a system managed by Redfish. These settings can then be updated and
actions can be issued to one or multiple systems.
Since its July, 2015 introduction, Redfish has continued to grow and evolve with specification updates
released in 2016 covering key operations such as BIOS configuration, server firmware update, and detailed
server inventory.
1.2 iDRAC with Lifecycle Controller RESTful API
To support the DMTF Redfish standard, the iDRAC with Lifecycle Controller has been enhanced to support a
RESTful API in addition to the current support for the IPMI, SNMP, and WS-Man standard APIs. The iDRAC
RESTful API builds upon the Redfish standard to provide a RESTful interface for Dell value-add operations
including
 Information on all iDRAC with Lifecycle Controller out-of-band services—web server, SNMP, virtual
media, SSH, Telnet, IPMI, and KVM
 Expanded storage subsystem reporting covering controllers, enclosures, and drives
 For the PowerEdge FX2 modular, detailed chassis information covering power supplies,
temperatures, and fans
 With the iDRAC Service Module installed under the server OS, the API provides detailed inventory
and status reporting for host network interfaces including such details as IP address, subnet mask,
and gateway for the Host OS
The following sections provide details concerning the iDRAC RESTful API interface calls that enable RESTful
configuration of PowerEdge servers with Server Configuration Profiles (SCP).