What is the iDRAC Dell Remote Access Controller?
The iDRAC6 operates independently from the server’s CPU and operating system. The iDRAC6 functions even if the server is powered off, no operating system is installed, or the operating system is inoperable. This capability makes iDRAC6 a mainstay in remotely managed data centers and distant offices where remote desktop applications (such as RDP) are not sufficient due to their dependency on a running operating system.
The iDRAC6 alerts administrators to server warnings and failures, enables remote server management and allows for remote power on / off and provides server power monitoring and budgeting features. On versions of the iDRAC that feature the Dell Lifecycle Controller, Administrators can also manage the iDRAC via command line and perform system firmware backups to embedded storage on the iDRAC.
For those that want a more in depth introduction to the iDRAC6 please visit the following links:
- Video interview about the iDRAC6
- Introduction to iDRAC6 Whitepaper
- Command Line DRAC / Server Management using RACADM
For full details on the iDRAC, click here for the iDRAC User Guide.
Versions of the iDRAC
There are 3 different versions of the iDRAC with varying levels of functionality
- iDRAC Express
- iDRAC Enterprise
- iDRAC Enterprise with VFlash
A detailed chart of the differences between the 3 iDRAC versions
Dell Remote Access Controller Downloads
Download the iDRAC6 Monolithic Firmware
Download the iDRAC6 Modular Firmware
For instructions on how to upgrade Dell iDRAC firmware visit:
http://www.delltechcenter.com/page/Updating+DRAC+Firmware
- Enabled iDRAC support for new CPUs and memory DIMMs
- Added RACADM "getLED" command support
- Firefox 3.6 support
- Hardware and firmware inventory
- Faster Web GUI performance
- Option to add User Work Notes in logs
- Virtual Console can now be launched without Active Directory or Single Sign-On (from https://mydrac/console)
Dell iDRAC Whitepapers
Dell iDRAC7 with Lifecycle Controller - Feature Guide
Using the iDRAC7 Video Capture Feature
Using Microsoft Windows PowerShell CIM Cmdlets with Dell iDRAC
iDRAC7 Networking and Improved Remote Access Performance
Using Dell iDRAC vFlash via GUI / USC
Dell’s vFlash SD Flash Media Card – Better Endurance and Performance via Over-Provisioning - by Santosh Kumar
Lifecycle Controller Backup and Restore in Dell PowerEdge 12th Generation Servers
New Security Features in Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller 7
Integrating iDRAC 7 with Microsoft Active Directory
iDRAC6 Directory Services - Instructions for Setting Up iDRAC6 with Active Directory, Novell, Fedora, OpenDS and OpenLDAP Directory Services.
Public Key Infrastructure in iDRAC- by Jeethendra Telagu
IDRAC6 SecurityOverview and Setting up Security Features on iDRAC6.
Using vFlashThe Dell vFlash media card provides additional functionality to customers who already have an iDRAC6 enterprise card. Dell vFlash media is a Dell-branded 8 GB secure digital (SD) card that inserts into the iDRAC6 enterprise daughter card. This white paper discusses how to set up an use the vFlash.
Dell Lifecycle Controller Whitepapers- additional whitepapers relating to Dell LifeCycle Controller, a component of the iDRAC
Dell iDRAC Videos
Coming Soon - Updating Firmware on the iDRAC5 - 2 GUI options and command line interface (CLI) via RACADM
Dell iDRAC6 Remote / Web GUI Walkthrough - v1.7 monolithic / 3.2 blade (Clarity Interface) by Peter Tsai
(Please visit the site to view this video)
Dell iDRAC6 upgrade through the Firmware Interface. This upgrade is bare-metal, which means that the iDRAC can be updated even if the server is powered off. That also means that an iDRAC update doesn't require an OS to be loaded on the target machine.
(Please visit the site to view this video)
Dell iDRAC5.0 Overview - by Brian Summers
(Please visit the site to view this video)
(Please visit the site to view this video)