Using iDRAC with a Dell R440 or R740 Server

This Chapter provides step-by-step instructions for using the integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) Enterprise Version to install DMF software images on Dell server hardware.

This Chapter was validated using iDRAC Enterprise. The instructions are similar for the following installation options.
  • DMF Controller Release 6.3.1 on the Dell R440 Server
  • Analytics 6.3.1 on the Dell R440 Server
  • DMF Recorder on the Dell R740 Server

The instructions in this document tested using macOS are similar to those tested using Windows OS. You can use Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Safari browsers to access the iDRAC web interface.

Note: DMF Controller Nodes, Arista Analytics Nodes, DMF Recorder Nodes, and DMF Service Nodes using Dell R440/R640/R740 server hardware include an iDRAC Enterprise license.

Setting Up and Configuring iDRAC

To set up iDRAC on a Dell R440 or R740 server, complete the following steps.

Procedure

  1. Turn on the Dell PowerEdge Server.
  2. Connect a monitor to the VGA port and the keyboard to the USB port.
    Note: When using the serial port to connect to the R440 and the R740, set the baud rate to 115200.
  3. Press F2 to enter the System Setup Main Menu screen.
    Figure 1. System Setup Main Menu
  4. Select iDRAC Settings from the System Setup Main Menu (F2 > iDRAC Settings).
    Figure 2. iDRAC Settings
  5. Use the arrow keys to select Network.
    Figure 3. iDRAC Settings Network
  6. Select the Dedicated option from the NIC selection list for use with iDRAC. A dedicated IDRAC port is available on R440 and R740 Dell servers.
  7. Configure the iDRAC IPv4 address, netmask, gateway, and DNS addresses.
    Figure 4. iDRAC Settings Network (Completed Entries)
  8. After completing the iDRAC configuration, press the Esc key to display the Exit menu.
  9. Select Save Changes and Exit and then press Enter to keep the changes.
  10. From a web browser, type DRAC-IPv4-address in the browser address bar and press Enter.
    The system displays the iDRAC web interface.
    Figure 5. iDRAC Web Interface Login Window
  11. Enter the username and password.

    Default Password

    By default, all PowerEdge servers ship with a unique iDRAC password, randomly generated at the factory, that is located on the pull-out Information Tag located on the front of the chassis, near the server asset tag. Customers who choose this option need to note this unique random password and use it to log in to iDRAC for the first time. For security purposes, Dell strongly recommends changing the default password.

    Legacy Password

    Customers who prefer to use the known legacy password calvin should choose this option. One reason to select this option would be to ensure conformance with any existing scripts. For security purposes, Dell strongly recommends changing the legacy password.

    Refer to https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000133536/dell-poweredge-what-is-the-default-username-and-password-for-idrac for the official Dell information.

    The pull-out information card is shown in the figure below:


    Check out the bottom label on the pull-out information card to find the default password, which in this example is 94AXYXFERKNW:
    Figure 6. Change the Default Password
  12. To change the default password, type the new password, when prompted, and type it again to confirm.
    In this example, the password stayed the same.
  13. Log in to the iDRAC web interface using the new credentials (if changed).
  14. Using the Virtual Console window option, click Launch Virtual Console.
    Figure 7. System Summary Page
  15. When prompted at the bottom of the screen, click Keep to confirm the operation.
    Figure 8. System Summary Page
  16. Click the viewer.jnlp link, as shown in the following example.
    Figure 9. System Summary Page
  17. When prompted, open the viewer.jnlp file.
    Figure 10. System Summary Page
    Note: Java is required, and the correct version downloads automatically.
    Figure 11. System Summary: Continue Prompt
  18. When prompted, click Continue.
    Figure 12. System Summary: Run Prompt
  19. When prompted, click Run.
    Figure 13. Confirm Connection to Untrusted Network
  20. When prompted to continue with an untrusted certificate, click Run.
    Figure 14. System Summary: Confirmation Prompt
  21. When prompted, click OK.
    iDRAC launches the virtual console window.

Using iDRAC to Install a DMF Controller, Analytics, or Recorder Software Image

Before beginning, set up iDRAC as described in the Setting Up and Configuring iDRAC section, and then complete the instructions in this section. The procedure is similar for installing DMF Controller, Analytics, and Recorder software images.

After installing the software image using iDRAC, complete the installation and initial configuration described in this document's previous chapters.

To use iDRAC to install the software image, complete the following steps:

  1. Direct your browser to the iDRAC web interface and log in to launch the iDRAC virtual console.
    Figure 15. iDRAC Virtual Console Window
  2. Select Virtual Media > Connect Virtual Media.
    Figure 16. Virtual Media Connect Virtual Media Option
  3. Click Virtual Media again and select Map CD/DVD this time.
    Figure 17. Virtual Media Map CD/DVD Option
  4. Click Browse to select the ISO file you want to install.
    Figure 18. Virtual Media Map CD/DVD Browse Option
  5. Select the Analytics, DMF Controller, or Recorder software image to install and click Open.
    The following example shows selecting the Arista Analytics image.
    Figure 19. Open DMF Controller ISO Image
  6. Click Map Device.
    Figure 20. Map Device

    This action maps the DMF Controller ISO file to a Virtual CD/DVD on the Virtual Media menu.

    Figure 21. Virtual Media DMF Controller ISO Mapped to a Virtual CD/DVD
  7. Click Next Boot.
    Figure 22. Next Boot Menu
  8. Select Virtual CD/DVD from the Next Boot menu.
  9. When prompted, click OK.
    Figure 23. Next Boot Confirmation Prompt
  10. Click Power and select Restart System (warm boot).
    Figure 24. Power Restart System (warm boot)
  11. When prompted, click OK.
    Figure 25. Power Control Confirmation Prompt
    When the server boots up, it selects the Virtual CD/DVD as the boot device.
    Figure 26. Booting from Virtual CD/DVD
    The server displays its status as it boots from Virtual CD/DVD.
    Figure 27. Server Boot Status
    Note: Depending on the network speed, it may take a while to download the ISO image to the server.
    Figure 28. Server Boot Status
  12. When prompted, type yes to install the DMF Controller image on the server.
    Figure 29. Installation Prompt