PowerEdge - How to Use the iDRAC Direct Feature

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 server management and maintenance.

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Table of Content:

1. Requirements

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

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Requirements

To connect using the Direct iDRAC feature you need to locate the microUSB port in front of the server. The location of the iDRAC direct port can usually be found here:

Figure1:R740 as an example.

Below is the picture of a USB to microUSB cable(see figure 2), this cable is needed to perform the operation:

Figure 2:USB to microUSB cable

 

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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. 

 

 

 

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

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

 

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. 


 

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 will be displayed. 

 

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

 

7. If the Micro USB cable can't be recognized, please navigate to iDRAC Settings > Media and USB Port Settings > iDRAC Direct Only.

 

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For more information please refer to Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller 9 Version 3.31.31.31 User's Guide
 

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