Dell R210 II Embedded Server Management, Unified Server Configurator Features and Description

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16.3 Embedded Server Management

The PowerEdge R210 II implements circuitry for the next generation of Embedded Server Management. It is Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) v2.0 compliant. The optional 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. These periphery devices consist of the power supplies, the storage backplane, the integrated SAS HBA or PERC 6/I (PERC H700), and the control panel with LCD display.

The optional upgrade to 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 several interdependent pieces:

•Dell Lifecycle Controller

•Unified Server Configurator

•iDRAC6

Dell Lifecycle Controller powers the embedded management features. It includes integrated and tamper-proof storage for system-management tools and enablement utilities (firmware, drivers, etc.). For servers with iDRAC6 Express, the Lifecycle Controller offers pre-OS server deployment, OS installation, platform updates, platform configuration, and diagnostics capabilities. For servers without iDRAC6 Express, this utility has limited functionality and offers OS installation and diagnostics capabilities only.

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 appearance during the system boot process. Table 19 details current functionality enabled by the USC.

Table 19.	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.

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PowerEdge R210 II Technical Guide