Dell PowerEdge: How to Configure the iDRAC and System Management Options on Servers

This article explains the different options to manage Dell PowerEdge servers.

Installation guides and advanced configuration are provided in the interactive users guides.

The iDRAC provides the basic level of management, a controller card embedded in the motherboard. Advanced management options are provided at an operating system level with the OpenManage suite. This suite is a collection of software that helps you discover, monitor, manage, and deploy Dell servers.
 

Overview of the Management System

This table describes the three levels of management, clicking the links displays more information.
 

Name	Type	Interface	Supported OS
iDRAC	Physically installed Manage local device. It can be accessed remotely.	HTTPS	Independent of OS
OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA)	Software installation Manage one server. It can be accessed remotely.	HTTPS	Windows Linux VMware
OpenManage Enterprise (OME)	Software installation Console to manage infrastructure. It can be accessed remotely.	HTTPS	Installation under Windows All Dell devices supported

 

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Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC)

The iDRAC is a piece of hardware that sits on the server motherboard that allows Systems Administrators to update and manage Dell systems, even when the server is turned off.

The iDRAC also provides both a web interface and a command-line interface that allows administrators to perform remote management tasks. Almost all current Dell servers have the option for an iDRAC.
   
The Virtual Console is a powerful tool for support maintenance operations. For more information, see the Dell article Using the Virtual Media function on iDRAC6, iDRAC7, iDRAC8 and iDRAC9.

The Dell Lifecycle Controller, which is a component of the iDRAC, is another useful tool that allows for advanced functionality around updating, backing up and restoring firmware updates on your Dell Server either through a UI or command-line interface.

Lifecycle Controller is the tool to use to deploy operating system, more information about OS Deployment. For more information, see the Dell article: How to install the operating system on a Dell PowerEdge Server? (OS deployment)

iDRAC Manuals are available on the Remote Enterprise Systems Management site.
 

 

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OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA)

OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) provides a comprehensive, one-to-one system management solution in two ways:

• From an integrated, web browser-based graphical user interface (UI)
• From a command-line interface (CLI) through the operating system.

Server Administrator is designed for system administrators to manage systems locally and remotely on a network.

To get the latest version, go to Support for Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) . OMSA is available in two types of files:

• Managed node: Agents and web components are installed. (Windows, Linux)
• VIB: Agents of OMSA without web components (VMware)

When OMSA is installed without web components, you have to access this OMSA from another device where web components are installed.

User Guides are available on the OpenManage Server Administrator site for more information about installation process.

Once OMSA is installed, to access the interface, enter the following URL in a navigator: https://ServerIP:1311/
 
A login page appears asking to fill the username and the password.
   

 

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OpenManage Enterprise

OpenManage Enterprise is an intuitive infrastructure management console. OpenManage Enterprise is a systems management and monitoring application that provides a comprehensive view of Dell servers, chassis, storage, and network switches on the enterprise network.

Not required

 

Initial setup of iDRACs (pre-first access, IP address setup) can be found in the User guide of the iDRAC versions.

• IDRAC 9: User Guide
• IDRAC 8: User Guide