Using iDRAC with SIRIS 5 devices

Topic

This article explains how to use Dell’s iDRAC system to perform basic tasks on your compatible Datto SIRIS S5 BCDR device.

Environment

  • Datto SIRIS S5-6, through S5-60

  • Datto SIRIS S5-2, through S5-4 (Poweredge version)

Description

The iDRAC system (Integrated DELL Remote Access Controller, allows remote monitoring and maintenance tasks via a convenient graphic user interface. It also allows communication with the Datto device in situations where it might otherwise be offline.

While this article is not a comprehensive overview of the iDRAC system, it explains some of the routine tasks that can be performed. For a deep-dive into iDRAC, see DELL's iDRAC documentation (external link).

S5 Models that use iDRAC

  • SIRIS 5 rack mounted models that uses the Dell Poweredge chassis are iDRAC compatible and have dedicated iDRAC network cards.

Setup

Connect iDRAC to the network via the iDRAC Ethernet port on the back of the SIRIS device. iDRAC uses a dedicated NIC to communicate with the iDRAC interface and works in a similar way to IPMI on other SIRIS models.

Setting up the iDRAC IP using iDRAC Setting Utility (F2 during startup)

  1. Turn on the SIRIS 5 device.
  2. Press <F2> during Power-on Self-test (POST).
  3. In the System Setup Main Menu page, click iDRAC Settings. The iDRAC Settings page is displayed.
  4. Click Network. The Network page is displayed.
  5. Specify the network settings
  6. Click Back, click Finish, and then click Yes. The network information is saved, and the system reboots.

iDRAC configuration is now completed. The iDRAC Web User Interface can now be reached with any supported browser (IE, Firefox, Chrome, Safari).

Connecting to iDRAC

Obtain the IP address of the server iDRAC BMC. Type the IP address in a browser to log on to the iDRAC system.

Initial log on credentials:

Username: admin

The initial default password should be the first 16 characters of your Datto backup-admin password.

Find the backup-admin password on the Datto Partner Portal by clicking on your appliance's name. The password will be listed under the Device Overview heading.

The backup-admin password is automatically changed every two weeks, and so the corresponding iDRAC password will change as well.

If the backup-admin password does not work

Under normal circumstances, the iDRAC username should be admin and the password should be the first 16 characters of the device's backup-admin password. In the event that the backup-admin password does not grant access to iDRAC, or if the device is reset, log in with the default DELL username of root and try the following:

  • The default password that is printed on the back of the service tag (external link) for the Datto device.
  • The default DELL password: calvin

If you are still unable to access iDRAC, contact Datto Technical Support.

Performing common tasks via iDRAC

iDRAC has greater functionality than standard IPMI. Some of the more common tasks that can be performed via iDRAC include:

Rebooting the Datto Device

On the dashboard, pull down the arrow next to graceful shutdown and select Power Cycle (warm boot).

Remotely powering the Datto device on or off

On the dashboard, pull down the arrow next to graceful shutdown and select Power Off System to shut down or Power Cycle System (cold boot) to turn on.

Log collection for troubleshooting

A Support Assist log may be collected when directed by Datto support.

To collect a Support Assist log:

  1. Select the Maintenance, Support Assist tab, and click Start a Collection.

  1. Under Data to Collect, select the requested logs.

  2. Under Collection Preferences, choose Save Locally.

  3. Click Collect.

  1. Wait for the collection to complete and then click Save and View.

  1. A new browser tab will open. Save the zip file in your default downloads folder or folder of your choice.

Firmware updates

The instructions can be found for updating firmware in Updating SIRIS 5 and ALTO 4 Firmware.

While updates to your iDRAC firmware can be done via the iDRAC interface, Datto does not currently support using iDRAC to update your BIOS firmware. BIOS firmware updates to your Datto device should only be done by following the steps in the S5 firmware update article referenced above.

IMPORTANT  
Only update your Datto device with the recommended firmware version downloaded from Datto at download.datto.com and then manually installed . Downloads from DELL, or other sources, may not be compatible with the Datto device and can cause your device to malfunction or become inoperable!

Additional Resources