Dell iDRAC8 manual Using USB Port for Server Management

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Using USB Port for Server Management

In Dell PowerEdge 12th generation servers, all USB ports are dedicated to the server. With the 13th generation of servers, one of the front panel USB port is used by iDRAC for management purposes such as pre-provisioning and troubleshooting. The port has an icon to indicate that it is a management port. All 13th generation servers with LCD panel support this feature. This port is not available in a few of the

200-500 model variations that are ordered without the LCD panel. In such cases, you may prefer to use these ports for the server operating system.

When the USB port is used by iDRAC:

•The USB network interface enables use of existing out-of-band remote management tools from a portable device such as laptop by using a USB type A/A cable connected to iDRAC. The iDRAC is assigned the IP address (169.254.0.3) and the laptop is assigned the IP 169.254.0.4.

•You can store a server configuration profile in the USB device and update the server configuration from the USB device.

NOTE: This feature is supported on:

•USB devices having FAT file system and has single partition.

•All Dell Windows 8 and Windows RT tablets, including the XPS 10 and The Venue Pro 8. For those devices that have USB-mini port such as the XPS 10 and the Venue Pro 8, you must use the On-The-Go (OTG) dongle and a Type-A/A cable together for it to work.

Related Links

Configuring iDRAC Using Server Configuration Profile on USB Device

Accessing iDRAC Interface over Direct USB Connection

Accessing iDRAC Interface over Direct USB Connection

In 13th generation servers, the new iDRAC direct feature allows you to directly connect your laptop or PC USB port to the iDRAC USB port. This allows you to interact directly with iDRAC interfaces (such as Web interface, RACADM, and WSMAN) for advanced server management and servicing.

You must use a Type A/A cable to connect the laptop (a USB Host Controller) to the iDRAC in the server (a USB device).

When iDRAC behaves as a USB device and the management port mode is set to Automatic, the USB port is always used by iDRAC. The port does not switch automatically to OS.

To access the iDRAC interface over the USB port:

1.Connect a Type A/A cable from the laptop to iDRAC’s USB port. Management LED (if present) turns green and remains ON for two seconds.

2.Wait for the IP address to be assigned to the laptop (169.254.0.3) and iDRAC (169.254.0.3).

3.Start using iDRAC network interfaces such as Web interface, RACADM, or WS-Man.

4.When iDRAC is using the USB port, LED blinks indicating activity. Blink frequency is four per second.

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