Dell T310 manual Embedded Server Management, Lifecycle Controller and Unified Server Configurator

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16.3 Embedded Server Management

The PowerEdge T310 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 PSUs, the storage backplane, integrated SAS HBA or PERC 6/I, and control panel with 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 Lifecycle Controller and Unified Server Configurator

Embedded management is comprised of four key components:

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Dell Lifecycle Controller

Dell Unified Server Configurator

iDRAC6 (Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller) vFlash (virtual flash media)

Lifecycle controller powers the embedded management features. It is integrated and tamperproof storage for system-management tools and enablement utilities (firmware, drivers, etc.).

Dell Unified Server Configurator (USC) is a local 1:1 graphical user interface embedded on Lifecycle Controller that aids in local server provisioning in a pre-OS environment. For servers with iDRAC Express, the Lifecycle Controller offers OS install, platform updates, platform configuration, and diagnostics capabilities. For servers without iDRAC6 Express, this utility has limited functionality and offers OS install and diagnostics capabilities only.

To access the Unified Server Configurator, press the <F10> key within 10 seconds of the Dell logo’s appearance during the system boot process. Current functionality enabled by the Unified Server Configurator is detailed in the following table.

Table 28. 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.

PowerEdge T310 Technical Guide 60