Data Domain - How to Use the iDRAC Direct Feature

Summary: This document explains how to use iDRAC9 Direct to manage your Data Domain models: DD3300, DD6900, DD6400, DD9400, DD9900

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

The iDRAC direct feature allows you to directly connect your laptop to the iDRAC USB port. This article explains how to use iDRAC Direct function for advanced Data Domain management and maintenance.

Table of Content:

  1. Requirements
  2. Steps to access the iDRAC interface over the USB port

Requirements

To connect using the Direct iDRAC feature, you must locate the micro-USB port in front of the server. The location of the iDRAC direct port can usually be found here:

DD3300, DD6900, DD6400, DD9400 as an Example
Figure 1: DD3300, DD6900, DD6400, DD9400 as an Example

DD9900 as an Example
Figure 2: DD9900 as an Example

Below is the figure of a USB to micro-USB cable(see figure 3), this cable is required to perform the operation:
USB to micro USB cable
Figure 3: USB to micro USB cable

Steps to access the iDRAC interface over the USB port

  1. Turn off any wireless networks and disconnect from any other hard-wired network.

  2. Ensure that the USB port is enabled.

    Note: On the server, you can enable or disable the iDRAC Direct USB Port using the system BIOS. Go to System BIOS > Integrated Devices.
    Internal USB Port

  3. After you connect the USB cable, the laptop will download the "iDRAC Virtual NIC USB Device" driver automatically.
    Installing iDRAC Virtual NIC USB Device

    Then you see the Remote NDIS Compatible Device #2 appearing in Device Manager, Network Adapter.
    Device Manager

  4. Wait for the laptop to obtain the IP address 169.254.0.4. It is always the same IP address. It may take several seconds for the IP addresses to be acquired. iDRAC acquires the IP address 169.254.0.3.

    To check if the iDRAC is responding, launch the ping command.
    Running the ping command

  5. Now, you can start using the iDRAC network interfaces such as the web interface, RACADM, Redfish, or WSMan. For example, to access the iDRAC web interface, open a supported browser, and type the address 169.254.0.3 and press Enter. The iDRAC login screen is displayed.
    iDRAC Web Interface

  6. When iDRAC is using the USB port, the LED blinks indicating activity. The blink frequency is 4 per second. After completing the wanted actions, disconnect the USB cable from the system. The LED turns off.

  7. If the Micro USB cable cannot be recognized, go to iDRAC Settings > Media and USB Port Settings > iDRAC Direct Only.
    iDRAC Settings

For more information, see Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller 9 Version 3.31.31.31 User's Guide

 

Affected Products

iDRAC8, iDRAC9
Article Properties
Article Number: 000239051
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 22 Nov 2024
Version:  3
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