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Using Console Redirection

Dell™ PowerEdge™ SC1425 Systems User's Guide

Hardware Requirements

Software Requirements

Configuring the Host System

Configuring the Client System

Managing the Host System Remotely

Configuring Special Key Functions

Console redirection allows you to manage a host (local) system from a client (remote) system by redirecting keyboard input and text output through a serial port. You cannot redirect graphic output. You can use console redirection for tasks such as configuring BIOS or RAID settings.

You can also connect the client system to a port concentrator that can access numerous host systems using a shared modem. After logging into the port concentrator, you can select a host system to manage using console redirection.

This section describes the most basic connection possible: connecting systems using a null-modem serial cable, which directly connects the serial ports on two systems.

Hardware Requirements

An available serial (COM) port on the host system

An available serial (COM) port on a client system

This port must not conflict with any other ports on the client system.

A null-modem serial cable to connect the host system to the client system

Software Requirements

VT 100/220 or ANSI terminal emulation with a window size of 80 x 25 characters

9600, 19.2 K, 57.6 K, or 115.2 K bps using serial (COM) ports

Ability to create keyboard command macros (recommended)

All versions of the Microsoft® Windows® operating system include Hilgraeve's HyperTerminal terminal emulation software. However, the included version does not provide many functions required during console redirection. Either upgrade to HyperTerminal Private Edition 6.1 or later, or select new terminal emulation software.

Configuring the Host System

Configure console redirection on the host (local) system through the System Setup program (see "Console Redirection Screen" in "Using the System Setup Program"). The Console Redirection screen allows you to enable or disable the console redirection feature, select the remote terminal type, and enable or disable console redirection after booting.

Configuring the Client System

After configuring the host system, configure the ports and terminal settings for the client (remote) system.

NOTE: The examples in this section assume that you have upgraded to Hilgraeve's HyperTerminal Private Edition 6.1 or later. If you are using other terminal emulation software, see the documentation for that software.

Configuring the Serial Port

1.Click the Start button, point to ProgramsAccessoriesCommunications, and then click HyperTerminal.

2.Enter a name for the new connection, select an icon, and then click OK.

3.From the Connect to drop down menu, select an available COM port, and then click OK.

After you select an available COM port, the COM port properties window appears.

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Dell SC1425 Using Console Redirection, Hardware Requirements, Software Requirements, Configuring the Host System