Dell manual Dell PowerEdge 1855 Blade Server, Updating server blades

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SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT

Updating the

Dell PowerEdge 1855 Blade Server

Chassis and Server Blades

Many hardware components in the DellPowerEdge1855 blade server have been designed with a firmware upgrade option—including the Dell Remote Access Controller/ Modular Chassis (DRAC/MC) management module; server baseboard management controllers; I/O modules; and keyboard, video, mouse modules. This article discusses standards-based frameworks for updating individual server blades and available software utilities as well as recommended methods and best practices for updating chassis component firmware.

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BY NARAYAN DEVIREDDY AND RUOTING HUANG

Equipped with 10 server blades and several I/O mod- ules and management modules, the Dell PowerEdge 1855 blade server contains numerous system software components to update during the change-management process. Although best practices dictate careful planning and methodical implementation when deploying system software updates for the PowerEdge 1855 blade server, such change management need not be difficult. As is the case with other PowerEdge servers, administrators can manage software updates for the PowerEdge 1855 blade server using standards-based Dell OpenManagetools, third-party enterprise change-management

tools, or both.

processes in their IT organization to manage updates to PowerEdge 1855 server blades. On PowerEdge 1855 server blades, administrators can typically update firmware on the following system software components:

Server system BIOS

Baseboard management controller (BMC)

PowerEdge Expandable RAID Controller 4, Integrated Mirroring (PERC 4/IM)

Adaptec SCSI Card 39160

SCSI hard disk drives

OS-level drivers

Updating server blades

The process for updating system software components on PowerEdge 1855 server blades is designed to be the same as on other PowerEdge servers. This similarity allows administrators to leverage existing change-management

As part of the change-management planning process, administrators must decide which update method best fits their environment. System software components on a PowerEdge 1855 server blade can be updated using one of two methods: offline updates or online updates.

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DELL POWER SOLUTIONS

Reprinted from Dell Power Solutions, August 2005. Copyright © 2005 Dell Inc. All rights reserved

August 2005

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Contents Updating server blades Dell PowerEdge 1855 Blade ServerOnline updates Offline updatesBMC flash updates Updating chassis componentsManagement module firmware updates Module firmware updates KVM module firmware updatesDell PowerConnect 5316M Ethernet switch firmware Keeping blade server system software components up-to-date
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1855 specifications

The Dell 1855 is a powerful, enterprise-grade blade server designed to meet the demands of modern data centers. It is part of Dell's PowerEdge series, known for its reliability, scalability, and efficiency. This server is built to help organizations optimize their data processing capabilities while maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing space.

One of the standout features of the Dell 1855 is its impressive density. Supporting multiple blade servers within a single chassis, it allows businesses to maximize their computing resources without requiring vast amounts of physical space. This allows organizations to manage their infrastructure costs more effectively, making it an ideal solution for companies with limited real estate.

The server is equipped with Intel Xeon processors, which are designed to provide robust performance for various workloads. With multiple cores and threads, these processors deliver exceptional processing power, enabling the Dell 1855 to handle demanding applications, including virtualization and database operations. The server supports different levels of memory capacity and speed, ensuring that customers can tailor their systems to match specific requirements.

In terms of storage, the Dell 1855 provides several options for both local and networked storage solutions. The server supports both SAS and SATA drives, allowing for significant flexibility in performance and capacity. With its built-in RAID controller options, customers can configure their storage to achieve high availability and data redundancy.

Networking capabilities are also a key feature of the Dell 1855. The server provides multiple integrated network interfaces, allowing for high-speed connectivity essential for both intra-rack and cross-rack communications. This is particularly important for businesses that require fast access to their data and applications.

Management of the Dell 1855 is simplified through its comprehensive management tools, which include Dell’s OpenManage software suite. This allows for streamlined monitoring and control over the server environment, giving IT administrators the ability to manage resources effectively, perform updates, and troubleshoot issues as they arise.

One of the notable characteristics of the Dell 1855 is its energy efficiency. Designed with power-saving technologies, it helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint while lowering operating costs. Its advanced cooling solutions ensure that energy consumption is optimized without sacrificing performance.

In summary, the Dell 1855 serves as an ideal solution for organizations seeking a powerful, scalable, and efficient blade server. Its robust performance, flexible storage options, comprehensive management tools, and energy-efficient design make it a top choice for businesses aiming to enhance their computing capabilities.