User Manual

Dell
PowerEdge R610 Technical Guide 52
16.3 Embedded Server Management
The PowerEdge R610 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.
16.4 Dell Lifecycle Controller and Unified Server Configurator
Embedded management is comprised of interdependent pieces:
• Dell Lifecycle Controller
• Unified Server Configurator
• iDRAC6
Dell Lifecycle Controller powers the embedded management features. It is integrated and tamper-
proof storage for system-management tools and enablement utilities (firmware, drivers, etc.).
Lifecycle Controller enables pre-OS server deployment, OS installation, platform updates, platform
configuration, and diagnostics capabilities.
Dell Unified Server Configurator (USC) is a graphical user interface (GUI) that aids in local server
provisioning in a pre-OS environment. 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 16.
Table 16. 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.
16.5 Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller
The integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC6) provides IT Administrators comprehensive yet
straightforward management of remote servers, by delivering “as if you are there” presence and
control. iDRAC6 helps users to save time and money by eliminating travel to the remote server(s),
whether that server is located in a different room, a different building, a different city, or in a