What is iDRAC?
The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller with Lifecycle Controller (iDRAC6 with Lifecycle Controller 1 or iDRAC7 with Lifecycle Controller 2) is an embedded device in all Dell PowerEdge™ servers that helps IT administrators manage, monitor, update, and deploy Dell servers.
The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) is designed to make server administrators more productive and improve the overall availability of Dell servers. iDRAC alerts administrators to server issues, helps them perform remote server management, and reduces the need for physical access to the server.
iDRAC7 with Lifecycle controller technology is part of a larger datacenter solution that helps keep business critical applications and workloads available at all times. The technology allows administrators to deploy, monitor, manage, configure, update, troubleshoot and remediate Dell servers from any location, and without the use of agents. It accomplishes this regardless of operating system or hypervisor presence or state.
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iDRAC7 Releases
| iDRAC7 Release Information | ||
|---|---|---|
iDRAC7 2.10.10.10 | This release supports both iDRAC7 and iDRAC8. Please refer to iDRAC8 page for details and download information. | April 2015 |
| iDRAC7 1.66.65 | Fixed: | 12/2014 (Download) |
| iDRAC7 1.57.57 | UPDATE - iDRAC7 firmware version 1.57.57 is now an URGENT update for all rack and tower-model server customers with redundant power supply units (PSUs) This build includes:
note: this release also contains cumulative enhancements and updates from prior releases, including a fix for issues causing sluggish iDRAC7 response after a prolonged period of uptime (approx 45-100 days, depending on the usage). In some cases, if the iDRAC is not reset, it could become unresponsive and require a server power-off/on reset. This issue exists on firmware releases 1.50.50 through those prior to 1.56.55). | 5/7/2014 (Download) |
NEW -- Dell iDRAC Service Module
The integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) Service Module is an optional, lightweight software application that can be installed on Dell 12th Generation Servers with iDRAC7 to provide additional systems management information. This lightweight agent runs in the host operating system and provides monitoring functionality similar to OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA). This new offering bridges the gap between iDRAC's monitoring coverage and that which the full OMSA agent provides today. Some of the key features include:
- Lifecycle Controller Log replication in OS log (for Server Hardware Information via the OS/Hypervisor Log itself)
- Watchdog functions for dependent iDRAC monitoring functions:
- Host name
- OS Name
- OS Version
n.b. the memory footprint of the iSM is 3-5MB. For comparison, OMSA occupies 100+ MB.
Download version 1.0 (includes release notes and Windows and Linux versions)
The new iSM page in the iDRAC GUI can be used to select the monitoring functions required. For more installation information, please review the Dell iDRAC Service Module 1.0 Installation Guide. You can also take a look at this blog post about installing and configuring iSM.
| iDRAC7 Manuals (high level) | |
|---|---|
| User Guide | iDRAC7 Manuals [1.0.0, 1.06.06, 1.10.10, 1.20.20, 1.23.23, 1.30.30, 1.40.40, 1.50.50) |
| RACADM Reference | RACADM Command Line Reference Guide (1.0.0, 1.06.06, 1.10.10, 1.20.20, 1.23.23, 1.30.30, 1.40.40, 1.50.50) |
iDRAC7 12th Generation Licensing Summary
At a high level, the features and offerings for iDRAC are similar between iDRAC6 and iDRAC7. Dell provides three main offerings: Basic Management, Express, and Enterprise. As in Dell’s 11th generation servers, Basic Management (called BMC in 11th generation) is the default for servers 200-500 series. For 600 series and above, iDRAC Express is the default offering that is part of the base configuration. It does not require a license to be installed, backed up, or managed. Express offers embedded tools, console integration, and simplified remote access.
However, most IT administrators want a deeper, more inclusive solution that allows them to manage servers as if they were physically near the server, and this is available by upgrading to the Enterprise license level, which is fully digital.
Because all 600-series servers ship with iDRAC7 Express enabled, customers can take advantage of the features and benefits provided by iDRAC7 with Lifecycle Controller 2.0 technology. Customers with 200-500 series can also upgrade their systems to either Express or Enterprise by simply installing a license key. A physical part is required on 200-500 series to enable dedicated NIC and vFlash. Dell offers an online portal to keep track all of your iDRAC licenses; for example, which servers have Express, Enterprise, or even Trial licenses. In the unlikely event of motherboard failure, Dell also stores a copy of the key and makes it available to you in an online License Management portal (https://www.dell.com/support/licensing/).