How to access DRAC (KVMoIP)

From Ubiquity Server Wiki

DRAC Introduction

A large percentage of Ubiquity's newer Xeon systems come equipped with Dell's DRAC (which functions much like a KVM over IP or IPMI interface for remote console access). The DRAC (Dell Remote Access Controller) gives one three main points of control (Power, Console, and Virtual Media) which enable the system's administrator to perform a variety of tasks normally reserved for the on-site data center technician. All of this is available through a simple, easily understood web management interface.

Once logged in to the DRAC, the admin gains the ability to do everything from power cycling the server to installing an operating system by utilizing the Virtual CD-ROM. It's truly a fantastic tool for any systems administrator as it has myriad uses (only limited by what one can accomplish with a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and virtual media). We're very happy to be able to provide this advantage to our clients.

DRAC Functions

Power

The simplest of the options available to our users on the DRAC, Power control gives you the ability to power your server off, power it on, or perform a power cycle - all at the click of a button. Very useful if all attempts at finding a solution to an uncooperative server have failed and a reboot is required.

Console

Probably the most useful of the three options, the Console feature gives you the ability to hook-up a virtual monitor to your server for troubleshooting purposes. If, for instance, your server was inaccessible after some network configuration adjustments, you could pull up the Console on the DRAC web management interface to first check to see if the system is at a login prompt and, if so, proceed to login as root to troubleshoot and reconfigure as necessary. This is just one of many examples of when the DRAC Console servers as a great tool when trying to find quick solutions to critical problems.

Virtual Media

While many are familiar with basic IPMI solutions, Virtual Media is an advanced tool not seen quite as often. It's main fucntion is as a virtual CD-ROM to boot OS installation discs, boot LiveCDs for troubleshooting, or other discs/ISOs which have hardware diagnostics tools. Beyond this, other Virtual Media options include the Virtual Floppy (most often used for drivers needed during OS installations)

Ensuring Functionality

While the Virtual Media option can use media stored on your workstation (transferring the data over over your internet connection), it's almost always guaranteed that using a local source, such as a Windows server or a Windows VPS (as we have available in Chicago), at the same PoP will give you better results. As such, if your only option is media stored at your home or office, we recommend using netinstall discs as the small size of these ISOs goes toward increasing the likelihood of successful data transfer.

It is important to note that the DRAC is optimized for use through Internet Explorer on Windows workstations. While Firefox, with the right plug-ins, will suffice for Console mode, you will most likely encounter difficulty when attempting to utilize Virtual Media. Due to the strict security protocols normally enabled by default in IE, you may need to tweak some security settings that disallow DirectX and/or Java as the DRAC requires certain permissions for both the Console and Virtual Media controls. For Linux users, please use Mozilla's Firefox and install the necessary plug-in.

Please ensure that you set Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls to Enable in Internet Explorer's security settings. It will only need to be enabled so you may download the necessary plug-in when you use the Virtual Media option the first time. After the plug-in has been installed you should be able to Disable the setting if you so wish. You can find IE security settings by accessing Tools, Internet Options, Security, and then adjusting Custom security settings.

Logging In

The DRAC is accessible through an intuitive web management interface, typically accessed by the IP it's been assigned. For example, if your IP was 192.168.0.1, you would open up your compatible browser and enter the following:

https://192.168.0.1

You may be prompted concerning a security certificate, but don't be alarmed - this is normal. Continue to the URL and accept the security certificate as necessary. When this is done, a login prompt will load where you will use the credentials we've provided. Your username will be client and the password will be randomized. If the credentials are entered correctly, you will view the main page of the DRAC interface. You'll see a variety of functions, some of which have been described in detail above.

Official Documentation

How to access DRAC (KVMoIP)

From Ubiquity Server Wiki

Contents

DRAC Introduction

DRAC Functions

Ensuring Functionality

Logging In

Official Documentation

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