Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller 9 User's Guide

Best networking practices

Additional network considerations

Two iDRACs that are separated by a router in the network topology are considered to be on separate local networks and cannot be joined in the same iDRAC local group. Meaning, if the iDRAC is configured for dedicated NIC settings, the network cable connected to iDRAC dedicated port in the rear of the server must be under a local network for all relevant servers.

If the iDRAC is configured for shared LOM network settings, the shared network connection used by both server host and IDRAC need to be connected under a local network for Group Manager to detect and onboard those servers into a common group. IDRACs configured with a mix of dedicated and shared LOM mode NIC settings could also be on-boarded into a common group, if all the network connections do not pass through a router.

Effect of MLD snooping in VLAN environments on Group Manager Discovery

Since Group Manager uses IPv6 multicast addressing for node-initiated discovery, a feature called MLD Snooping can prevent Group Manager-enabled devices from discovering each other if not configured properly. MLD Snooping is a common ether switch feature intended to reduce the amount of unnecessary IPv6 multicast traffic on a network.

If MLD Snooping is active in any network, ensure there is an MLD querier enabled so that the ether switches are kept up to date with the active Group Manager devices on the network. Alternatively, if MLD Snooping is not needed, it can be disabled. Note that some network switches have MLD Snooping enabled by default. And it is same for switching modules in the MX7000 chassis.