Offline updates

To perform an offline update, administrators must schedule server downtime. Most offline update utilities boot into a pre-OS environ- ment such as DOS to perform the update. These update utilities may also require multiple system reboots to complete the update process.

Although the offline update

Although the offline update

process is time-consuming

and requires several manual

process is time-consuming

steps, this is a safe method

to update system software on

and requires several manual

virtually any server because

the network is not involved.

steps, this is a safe method

In contrast, network traffic,

Trivial FTP (TFTP) server

to update system software on

response time, packet loss,

and link loss can affect firm-

virtually any server because

ware updates that are per-

formed over a network.

the network is not involved.

On a PowerEdge 1855

server blade, administrators

 

can update BIOS, BMC firmware, RAID firmware, SCSI hard disk drive firmware, SCSI controller firmware, and OS-level drivers using DOS-based update utilities found on the Dell support Web site (support.dell.com). Note: The PERC 4/IM is integrated into the PowerEdge 1855 server blade motherboard, so PERC 4/IM firmware is included as part of the system BIOS update package.

Online updates

Unlike an offline update, the online update process minimizes server downtime by allowing the process to run in a normal OS environ- ment. The greatest advantage of the online approach is its capability to automate the update process. Online updates enable organiza- tions to update multiple server blades from a central console using Dell OpenManage change-management tools or third-party change- management frameworks.

Dell OpenManage change-management tools for the PowerEdge

1855 blade server comprise the following:

Dell Update Packages

Dell OpenManage Server Update Utility (SUU)

Dell OpenManage IT Assistant (ITA) 7

SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT

Package contains the logic to verify that the update will work on a given system. Dell Update Packages support both a graphical user interface (GUI) and a command-line interface (CLI). BIOS and BMC firmware Dell Update Packages are available for PowerEdge 1855 server blades. Dell Update Packages are supported on Microsoft® Windows Server2003 and Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® operating systems. In addition, Dell Update Packages can be integrated into third-party or custom software distribution application frameworks such as Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003, Altiris® Deployment Solution, and others. 1

Dell OpenManage Server Update Utility. SUU is a comprehen- sive system update utility that provides a mechanism to update several system software components at once. It is a CD-based application that can identify systems and apply the appropriate updates. For example, on a PowerEdge 1855 blade server, administrators can use the SUU CD to update all system software on a server blade. The SUU update pro- cess requires administrators to update one server blade at a time.

Dell OpenManage IT Assistant. ITA 7 provides centralized soft- ware update capability for Dell servers. IT Assistant allows admin- istrators to load Dell Update Packages and Dell System Update Sets into a central repository and then compare the packages to the software versions currently running on PowerEdge systems. Admin- istrators can then decide whether to update systems that are not in compliance, either immediately or according to an administrator- defined schedule.

BMC flash updates

The BMC does not disable the power button on the front of an individual PowerEdge 1855 server blade during a flash update. If an administrator presses the power button during a flash update, the server blade will power off and leave the BMC in an unknown state. To recover the server blade, an administrator should remove the server blade from the PowerEdge blade server chassis, wait five seconds, reinsert the server blade, and allow the server blade to boot. Then the flash update can be performed again.

Note: Keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) hot-key keyboard sequences are not supported during a BMC flash update. If an administrator attempts a hot-key sequence from a server blade that is performing a BMC flash update, the flash update may fail. To recover, the administrator must execute the flash update again.

Updating chassis components

Dell Update Packages. Dell Update Packages are self-contained, easy-to-use programs; each package updates a single system software component on the server on which it is executed. Each Dell Update

Because individual server blades in the PowerEdge 1855 blade server share common chassis infrastructure components, keeping the system software of the chassis components up-to-date can play a critical role in

1For more information about how Dell Update Packages are designed to work in third-party software distribution applications, see “Scripting Dell Update Packages on Windows and Linux” by Manoj Gujarathi, Pritesh Prabhu, and Subbu Ganesan in Dell Power Solutions, October 2004, www.dell.com/downloads/global/power/ps4q04-20040125-Gujarathi.pdf; and “Deploying Dell Update Packages Using Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003” by Sand- eep Karandikar and Manoj Gujarathi in Dell Power Solutions, February 2005, www.dell.com/downloads/global/power/ps1q05-20040111-Gujarathi.pdf.

www.dell.com/powersolutions

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

DELL POWER SOLUTIONS

57

Page 2
Image 2
Dell 1855 manual Updating chassis components, Offline updates, Online updates, BMC flash updates

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.