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Installing Blade Servers and Configuring Remote Access: A Consolidated Guide
Feb 12
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Installing Blade Servers and Configuring Remote Access: A Consolidated Guide
This guide consolidates information on installing various blade servers into their respective chassis and configuring remote access. While specific steps might vary slightly between vendors and models (Cisco, Lenovo, Supermicro, Dell, HPE), the general principles remain consistent. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview, but always consult your vendor's official documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date information for your specific hardware.
Key Concepts:
Blade Server: A modular server designed to fit into a blade chassis, sharing resources like power and cooling.
Blade Chassis: A rack-mountable enclosure that houses multiple blade servers, providing power, cooling, and network connectivity.
Management Module/Controller: A component within the chassis (or sometimes on the blade itself) that provides out-of-band management capabilities. Examples include Cisco UCS Manager, Lenovo XClarity Controller, Supermicro SMM, Dell OME-M/iDRAC, and HPE iLO.
IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface): A standardized interface for out-of-band management of servers.
KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse): A hardware or software solution that allows remote access to a server's console.
Service Profile (Cisco UCS): A template defining the configuration of a blade server in a Cisco UCS environment.
Fabric (Dell MX): The interconnect system in Dell MX chassis, requiring configuration for network and storage connectivity.
General Installation Process:
Prepare the Chassis:
Ensure the blade chassis is powered on and properly connected to your network and management network.
Familiarize yourself with the chassis's blade slot numbering and any specific installation instructions.
Understand the power distribution requirements of the chassis.
Prepare the Blade:
Carefully unpack the blade server.
Inspect it for any physical damage.
Note any specific handling or component installation instructions (DIMMs, drives, mezzanine cards).
Install the Blade:
Locate the designated slot in the chassis.
Align the blade with the guides in the slot.
Gently slide the blade into the slot until it makes firm contact with the backplane.
Secure the blade using the locking mechanism.
Connect Cables:
Power: Blades receive power from the chassis backplane.
Network: Connect network cables to the appropriate ports on the blade or chassis midplane. The specific port and configuration will depend on your network design and the chassis/blade model.
Management/IPMI: Connect a dedicated management cable to the IPMI/management port on the blade.
Initial Configuration:
Access Management Interface:
Connect to the management module (e.g., UCSM, XCC, SMM, OME-M, iDRAC, iLO) via a web browser or dedicated management tools.
Log in:
Log in with administrative credentials. Change default credentials immediately for security.
Discover/Acknowledge the Blade:
The management interface should discover the newly inserted blade. You might need to acknowledge or configure it.
Configure Network Settings (Management Interface):
Configure the blade's management network settings (IPMI IP, etc.) through the management interface. This is essential for out-of-band management. For the OS network, you may configure it within the OS, through the chassis management tools, or via a service profile (Cisco UCS), depending on the vendor and your network architecture. Dell MX requires fabric configuration.
Configure Boot Order:
Specify the boot order in the management interface.
KVM Console:
Access the KVM console through the management interface. This is your primary method for interacting with the server during OS installation and troubleshooting.
Remote Access Methods:
KVM Console (via Management Interface): This is the most common and essential method for remote access, especially for initial setup and troubleshooting.
SSH: After the operating system is installed, SSH provides secure command-line access.
Remote Desktop (RDP): For Windows servers, RDP allows graphical remote access.
IPMI: IPMI provides out-of-band management capabilities, including power control, health monitoring, and console access.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Blade not powering on: Check chassis power, blade seating, and management interface status.
Network connectivity issues: Verify cable connections, VLAN configuration, and IP address settings. For Dell MX, verify fabric configuration.
KVM not working: Check management interface settings, browser compatibility, and firewall restrictions.
Vendor-Specific Considerations:
Cisco UCS: Uses Service Profiles for blade configuration. Associate the blade with a Service Profile.
Lenovo ThinkSystem: Uses XClarity Controller (XCC) for management.
Supermicro SuperBlade: Often relies heavily on IPMI for management.
Dell PowerEdge MX: Requires fabric configuration through OME-M for network and storage connectivity.
HPE ProLiant: Uses iLO for out-of-band management. HPE OneView is used for Synergy frames.
General Best Practices:
Consult Official Documentation: This is the most important step. Always refer to the official vendor documentation for your specific hardware.
Update Firmware: Keep firmware for the chassis, blades, and management modules up to date.
Secure Credentials: Change default passwords immediately.
Network Configuration: Plan your network configuration carefully, including IP addresses, VLANs, and security.
Conclusion:
Installing blade servers and configuring remote access involves similar steps across different vendors. However, specific configurations and tools vary. By understanding the general principles and consulting the vendor-specific documentation, you can successfully deploy and manage your blade servers. This consolidated guide provides a starting point, but remember that official documentation is your most valuable resource.
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Installing a Dell PowerEdge MX740c Blade Server and Remote Access Guide
This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of installing a Dell PowerEdge MX740c blade server into a Dell PowerEdge MX7000 or MX9000 chassis and configuring remote access. We'll cover the physical installation, initial configuration, and methods for remotely accessing the server.
Prerequisites:
Dell PowerEdge MX740c Blade Server
Dell PowerEdge MX7000 or MX9000 Chassis
Necessary cables (power, network, management)
Access to a management workstation with a web browser
Dell OpenManage Enterprise Modular (OME-M) or iDRAC (Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller)
IP address for the blade server (if using static IP assignment)
Section 1: Physical Installation
Prepare the Chassis: Ensure the MX7000/MX9000 chassis is powered on and properly connected to your network and management network. Familiarize yourself with the chassis's blade slot numbering and any specific installation instructions for your chassis model. The MX series uses a fabric design, so understand the connectivity modules and how they relate to the blade slots.
Prepare the Blade: Carefully unpack the MX740c blade server. Inspect it for any physical damage. Note any specific instructions related to handling or installing components (like DIMMs, drives, or mezzanine cards) if you've customized the base configuration.
Install the Blade:
Locate the designated slot in the chassis.
Align the blade with the guides in the slot.
Gently slide the blade into the slot until it makes firm contact with the backplane.
Secure the blade using the locking mechanism provided on the chassis. This usually involves a latch or handle.
Connect Cables: Connect the necessary cables to the blade server. This typically includes:
Power Cable: The blade receives power from the chassis backplane, so no separate power cable is required for the blade itself. Ensure the chassis is properly powered.
Network Cables: Connect the network cables to the appropriate ports on the blade. These ports might be directly on the blade or through the chassis midplane depending on your configuration and the installed I/O modules in the MX chassis. The MX series uses a fabric, so network connectivity is configured through OME-M and assigned to the blade.
Management Cable (iDRAC): Connect a dedicated management cable to the iDRAC port on the blade. This port is usually separate from the regular network ports and is used for out-of-band management.
Section 2: Initial Configuration with OME-M or iDRAC
Access OME-M (Recommended): Open a web browser on your management workstation and connect to the IP address of your MX7000/MX9000 chassis's management module (OME-M). OME-M provides centralized management for the entire MX environment.
Access iDRAC (Alternative): If you're not using OME-M, you can connect directly to the iDRAC of the individual blade. This requires knowing the iDRAC IP address, which might be assigned via DHCP or configured manually.
Log in: Log in to OME-M or iDRAC with your administrative credentials. Default credentials should be changed immediately for security.
Discover the Blade: OME-M should automatically discover the newly inserted blade. In iDRAC, you'll be working directly with the blade you inserted.
Configure Network Settings (iDRAC): Configure the blade's iDRAC network settings, including IP address, subnet mask, and gateway, through the iDRAC interface. This is crucial for accessing the blade's operating system later. With OME-M, network configuration for the blade's OS is handled through OME-M's fabric configuration.
Configure Boot Order: Specify the boot order in the iDRAC or OME-M interface. You can boot from local drives, SAN, or network (PXE).
Virtual Console (iDRAC): Access the virtual console (KVM) through the iDRAC interface. This will allow you to see the server's screen and interact with it as if you were physically present. This is how you'll install your operating system. OME-M provides similar KVM access.
Section 3: Remote Access Methods
There are several ways to remotely access the Dell PowerEdge MX740c blade server:
iDRAC Virtual Console (KVM): As mentioned above, iDRAC provides a built-in virtual console that allows you to access the blade server's console remotely. This is your primary method for interacting with the server directly, especially during OS installation and troubleshooting.
SSH: After the operating system is installed and configured, you can access the blade server via SSH. This requires configuring SSH on the operating system.
Remote Desktop (RDP): If you've installed a Windows operating system on the blade, you can use Remote Desktop to access it remotely. This also requires configuration within the operating system.
Accessing iDRAC Virtual Console:
Log into the iDRAC interface.
Look for an option like "Virtual Console," "KVM," or "Remote Console." The specific wording might vary depending on the iDRAC firmware version.
Launch the virtual console. This will typically use HTML5 or a Java applet, giving you access to the server's console.
Troubleshooting:
Blade not powering on: Check the chassis power, blade seating, and iDRAC status.
Network connectivity issues: Verify network cable connections, VLAN configuration, and IP address settings in iDRAC and the operating system. Pay close attention to fabric configuration in OME-M.
Virtual console not working: Check iDRAC settings, browser compatibility, and any firewall restrictions.
Important Considerations for Dell MX Series:
Fabric Configuration: The MX series relies on a fabric for network and storage connectivity. You must configure the fabric through OME-M to assign resources to the blades.
Management Modules: The MX chassis has redundant management modules for high availability.
Firmware Updates: Keep the firmware for the chassis, blades, and I/O modules up to date using OME-M.
Conclusion:
This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of installing a Dell PowerEdge MX740c blade server and configuring remote access. By following these steps, you should be able to successfully deploy and manage your blade servers. Remember to consult the official Dell documentation for the most up-to-date information and specific configuration details related to your chassis and blade model. Dell MX systems have a lot of configuration options, so consulting the official documentation is essential. This blog post is a starting point and may not cover all possible configurations. Always refer to official documentation for your specific setup.
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Installing a Supermicro SuperBlade SBI-621E-1T3N and Remote Access Guide
This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of installing a Supermicro SuperBlade SBI-621E-1T3N blade server into a compatible Supermicro blade chassis and configuring remote access. We'll cover the physical installation, initial configuration, and methods for remotely accessing the server. Keep in mind that Supermicro systems can have a lot of configuration options, so consult your specific system's documentation for the most accurate details.
Prerequisites:
Supermicro SuperBlade SBI-621E-1T3N Blade Server
Compatible Supermicro Blade Chassis (e.g., SuperBlade SBI-8149P-T10B)
Necessary cables (power, network, IPMI/management)
Access to a management workstation with a web browser
Supermicro IPMIView or other IPMI management tools
IP address for the blade server (if using static IP assignment)
Section 1: Physical Installation
Prepare the Chassis: Ensure the blade chassis is powered on and properly connected to your network and management network. Familiarize yourself with the chassis's blade slot numbering and any specific installation instructions for your chassis model. Supermicro chassis often have specific power distribution requirements, so double-check those.
Prepare the Blade: Carefully unpack the SBI-621E-1T3N blade server. Inspect it for any physical damage. Note any specific instructions related to handling or installing components (like DIMMs, drives, or mezzanine cards) if you've customized the base configuration.
Install the Blade:
Locate the designated slot in the chassis.
Align the blade with the guides in the slot.
Gently slide the blade into the slot until it makes firm contact with the backplane.
Secure the blade using the locking mechanism provided on the chassis. This usually involves a latch or handle.
Connect Cables: Connect the necessary cables to the blade server. This typically includes:
Power Cable: The blade receives power from the chassis backplane, so no separate power cable is required for the blade itself. Ensure the chassis is properly powered.
Network Cables: Connect the network cables to the appropriate ports on the blade. These ports may be directly on the blade or through the chassis midplane depending on your configuration and the chassis model. Supermicro blades often have multiple network interfaces.
IPMI/Management Cable: Connect a dedicated management cable to the IPMI port on the blade. This port is usually separate from the regular network ports and is used for out-of-band management.
Section 2: Initial Configuration with IPMI
Access IPMI: Open a web browser on your management workstation and connect to the IP address of your Supermicro chassis's management module (SMM) or directly to the IPMI IP address of the blade if you've configured it. You might need to use IPMIView or other IPMI management software.
Log in: Log in to the IPMI interface with your administrative credentials. The default credentials are often ADMIN/ADMIN, but you should change this immediately for security reasons.
Configure Network Settings (IPMI): Configure the blade's IPMI network settings, including IP address, subnet mask, and gateway, through the IPMI interface. This is crucial for accessing the blade's operating system later, even if the main network ports aren't configured yet.
Configure Boot Order: Specify the boot order in the IPMI interface. You can boot from local drives, SAN, or network (PXE).
KVM Console: Access the KVM console through the IPMI interface. This will allow you to see the server's screen and interact with it as if you were physically present. This is how you'll install your operating system.
Section 3: Remote Access Methods
There are several ways to remotely access the Supermicro SuperBlade SBI-621E-1T3N blade server:
IPMI KVM: As mentioned above, IPMI provides a built-in KVM console that allows you to access the blade server's console remotely. This is your primary method for interacting with the server directly, especially during OS installation and troubleshooting.
SSH: After the operating system is installed and configured, you can access the blade server via SSH. This requires configuring SSH on the operating system.
Remote Desktop (RDP): If you've installed a Windows operating system on the blade, you can use Remote Desktop to access it remotely. This also requires configuration within the operating system.
Accessing IPMI KVM:
Log into the IPMI interface (either through the SMM or directly to the blade's IPMI IP).
Look for an option like "Remote Console," "KVM," or "Launch KVM." The specific wording might vary depending on the IPMI firmware version.
Launch the KVM console. This will typically open a Java applet or use HTML5, giving you access to the server's console.
Troubleshooting:
Blade not powering on: Check the chassis power, blade seating, and IPMI status.
Network connectivity issues: Verify network cable connections, VLAN configuration, and IP address settings in IPMI and the operating system.
KVM not working: Check IPMI settings, Java/browser compatibility (if applicable), and any firewall restrictions.
Important Considerations for Supermicro:
BIOS Updates: Supermicro often releases BIOS updates that can improve performance, stability, and security. Update these through the IPMI interface.
Mezzanine Cards: The SBI-621E-1T3N might support various mezzanine cards for networking or storage. Ensure these are properly installed and configured.
Redundant Power Supplies: Supermicro chassis often have redundant power supplies. Make sure they are correctly installed and functioning.
Conclusion:
This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of installing a Supermicro SuperBlade SBI-621E-1T3N blade server and configuring remote access. By following these steps, you should be able to successfully deploy and manage your blade servers. Remember to consult the official Supermicro documentation for the most up-to-date information and specific configuration details related to your chassis and blade model. Supermicro systems have many configurable options, so consulting the official documentation is essential. This blog post is a starting point and may not cover all possible configurations. Always refer to official documentation for your specific setup.
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Installing a Lenovo ThinkSystem SN550 V2 Blade Server and Remote Access Guide
This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of installing a Lenovo ThinkSystem SN550 V2 blade server into a compatible blade chassis and configuring remote access. We'll cover the physical installation, initial configuration, and methods for remotely accessing the server.
Prerequisites:
Lenovo ThinkSystem SN550 V2 Blade Server
Compatible Lenovo Blade Chassis (e.g., ThinkSystem SD650 V2)
Necessary cables (power, network, management)
Access to a management workstation with a web browser
Lenovo XClarity Controller (XCC) configured and running
IP address for the blade server (if using static IP assignment)
Section 1: Physical Installation
Prepare the Chassis: Ensure the blade chassis is powered on and properly connected to your network and management network. Familiarize yourself with the chassis's blade slot numbering and any specific installation instructions for your chassis model.
Prepare the Blade: Carefully unpack the SN550 V2 blade server. Inspect it for any physical damage. Note any specific instructions related to handling or installing components (like DIMMs) if you've customized the base configuration.
Install the Blade:
Locate the designated slot in the chassis.
Align the blade with the guides in the slot.
Gently slide the blade into the slot until it makes firm contact with the backplane.
Secure the blade using the locking mechanism provided on the chassis. This usually involves a latch or handle.
Connect Cables: Connect the necessary cables to the blade server. This typically includes:
Power Cable: The blade receives power from the chassis backplane, so no separate power cable is required for the blade itself. Ensure the chassis is properly powered.
Network Cables: Connect the network cables to the appropriate ports on the blade. These ports may be directly on the blade or through the chassis midplane depending on your configuration and the chassis model.
Management Cable (if applicable): Some chassis may have dedicated management network connections. Refer to your chassis documentation.
Section 2: Initial Configuration with XClarity Controller (XCC)
Access XCC: Open a web browser on your management workstation and connect to the IP address of your XClarity Controller. This is typically a separate management network.
Log in: Log in to XCC with your administrative credentials.
Discover the Blade: XCC should automatically discover the newly inserted blade. You might see it in the "Hardware" or "Servers" section.
Configure Network Settings: If DHCP is not used, configure the blade's network settings, including IP address, subnet mask, and gateway, through the XCC interface. This is essential for accessing the blade's operating system later.
Update Firmware (Recommended): Check for and apply any available firmware updates for the blade through XCC. This ensures optimal performance and security.
Configure Boot Order: Specify the boot order in the XCC interface. You can boot from local drives, SAN, or network (PXE).
Section 3: Remote Access Methods
There are several ways to remotely access the Lenovo ThinkSystem SN550 V2 blade server:
XClarity Controller Remote Console: XCC provides a built-in remote console that allows you to access the blade server's console remotely. This is accessible through the XCC web interface and provides KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) functionality. This is your primary method for interacting with the server directly, especially during OS installation and troubleshooting.
SSH: After the operating system is installed and configured, you can access the blade server via SSH. This requires configuring SSH on the operating system.
Remote Desktop (RDP): If you've installed a Windows operating system on the blade, you can use Remote Desktop to access it remotely. This also requires configuration within the operating system.
IPMI: The SN550 V2 supports IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface), which provides out-of-band management capabilities. You can use IPMI tools to monitor the server's health, control power, and access the console. This is particularly useful for troubleshooting issues when the operating system is not running.
Accessing XCC Remote Console:
Log into XCC.
Navigate to the "Servers" or relevant hardware section.
Select the blade server.
Look for an option like "Remote Console," "KVM," or "Launch Remote Desktop." The specific wording might vary slightly depending on the XCC version.
Launch the remote console. This will open a new window or tab, giving you access to the server's console.
Troubleshooting:
Blade not powering on: Check the chassis power, blade seating, and XCC status.
Network connectivity issues: Verify network cable connections, VLAN configuration, and IP address settings in XCC.
Remote console not working: Check XCC settings, browser compatibility, and any firewall restrictions.
Conclusion:
This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of installing a Lenovo ThinkSystem SN550 V2 blade server and configuring remote access. By following these steps, you should be able to successfully deploy and manage your blade servers. Remember to consult the official Lenovo documentation for the most up-to-date information and specific configuration details related to your chassis and blade model. This blog post is a starting point and may not cover all possible configurations. Always refer to official documentation for your specific setup.
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Installing a Cisco UCS B200 M6 Blade Server and Remote Access Guide
This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of installing a Cisco UCS B200 M6 blade server into a blade chassis and configuring remote access. We'll cover the physical installation, initial configuration, and methods for remotely accessing the server.
Prerequisites:
Cisco UCS B200 M6 Blade Server
Cisco UCS Blade Chassis (e.g., UCS 5108)
Necessary cables (power, network)
Access to a management workstation with a web browser
Cisco UCS Manager (UCSM) configured and running
IP address for the blade server (if using static IP assignment)
Section 1: Physical Installation
Prepare the Chassis: Ensure the blade chassis is powered on and properly connected to your network and management network. Familiarize yourself with the chassis's blade slot numbering.
Prepare the Blade: Carefully unpack the B200 M6 blade server. Inspect it for any physical damage.
Install the Blade:
Locate the designated slot in the chassis.
Align the blade with the guides in the slot.
Gently slide the blade into the slot until it makes firm contact with the backplane.
Secure the blade using the locking mechanism provided on the chassis. This usually involves a latch or handle.
Connect Cables: Connect the necessary cables to the blade server. This typically includes:
Power Cable: The blade receives power from the chassis backplane, so no separate power cable is required.
Network Cables: Connect the network cables to the appropriate ports on the blade. These ports may be directly on the blade or through the chassis midplane depending on your configuration.
Section 2: Initial Configuration with UCSM
Access UCSM: Open a web browser on your management workstation and connect to the IP address of your UCS Manager.
Log in: Log in to UCSM with your administrative credentials.
Acknowledge the Blade: After inserting the blade, UCSM should detect it. You may need to acknowledge the newly discovered blade in UCSM. This usually involves going to the "Equipment" tab and acknowledging the unconfigured server.
Associate the Blade with a Service Profile (Recommended): Service profiles are the best practice for configuring and managing blades in UCS. A service profile defines the server's identity, firmware, boot order, network configuration, and other settings.
If you have a pre-configured service profile, associate it with the blade. This will automatically configure the blade according to the profile's settings.
If you don't have a suitable service profile, you'll need to create one. This involves defining the desired settings mentioned above.
Configure Boot Order: Specify the boot order in the service profile or directly on the blade. You can boot from local drives, SAN, or network (PXE).
Verify Configuration: Once the service profile is associated, verify that the blade has been configured correctly. Check network connectivity, storage connectivity, and other relevant settings.
Section 3: Remote Access Methods
There are several ways to remotely access the Cisco UCS B200 M6 blade server:
KVM Console: UCSM provides a built-in KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) console that allows you to access the blade server's console remotely. This is accessible through the UCSM web interface. This is your primary method for interacting with the server's operating system directly.
SSH: After the operating system is installed and configured, you can access the blade server via SSH. This requires configuring SSH on the operating system.
Remote Desktop (RDP): If you've installed a Windows operating system on the blade, you can use Remote Desktop to access it remotely. This also requires configuration within the operating system.
IPMI: The B200 M6 supports IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface), which provides out-of-band management capabilities. You can use IPMI tools to monitor the server's health, control power, and access the console. This is particularly useful for troubleshooting issues when the operating system is not running.
Accessing KVM via UCSM:
Log into UCSM.
Navigate to the "Equipment" tab.
Select the blade server.
Click on the "KVM Console" tab.
Launch the KVM console. This will open a new window or tab, giving you access to the server's console.
Troubleshooting:
Blade not powering on: Check the chassis power, blade seating, and UCSM configuration.
Network connectivity issues: Verify network cable connections, VLAN configuration, and IP address settings.
KVM not working: Check UCSM settings, browser compatibility, and any firewall restrictions.
Conclusion:
This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of installing a Cisco UCS B200 M6 blade server and configuring remote access. By following these steps, you should be able to successfully deploy and manage your blade servers. Remember to consult the official Cisco documentation for the most up-to-date information and specific configuration details. This blog post is a starting point and may not cover all possible configurations. Always refer to official documentation for your specific setup.
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Installing an HPE ProLiant BL460c Gen10 Plus Blade Server and Remote Access Guide
This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of installing an HPE ProLiant BL460c Gen10 Plus blade server into a compatible HPE blade chassis (e.g., HPE ProLiant c7000 or Synergy frame) and configuring remote access. We'll cover the physical installation, initial configuration, and methods for remotely accessing the server.
Prerequisites:
HPE ProLiant BL460c Gen10 Plus Blade Server
Compatible HPE Blade Chassis (e.g., HPE ProLiant c7000 or Synergy frame)
Necessary cables (power, network, management)
Access to a management workstation with a web browser
HPE iLO Advanced license (for some remote management features)
IP address for the blade server (if using static IP assignment)
Section 1: Physical Installation
Prepare the Chassis: Ensure the blade chassis is powered on and properly connected to your network and management network. Familiarize yourself with the chassis's blade slot numbering and any specific installation instructions. For c7000 chassis, understand the interconnect modules and their relationship to the blade bays. For Synergy, understand the frame link modules and how they relate to compute modules.
Prepare the Blade: Carefully unpack the BL460c Gen10 Plus blade server. Inspect it for any physical damage. Note any specific instructions related to handling or installing components (like DIMMs, drives, or mezzanine cards) if you've customized the base configuration.
Install the Blade:
Locate the designated slot in the chassis.
Align the blade with the guides in the slot.
Gently slide the blade into the slot until it makes firm contact with the backplane.
Secure the blade using the locking mechanism provided on the chassis.
Connect Cables: Connect the necessary cables to the blade server. This typically includes:
Power Cable: The blade receives power from the chassis backplane.
Network Cables: Connect the network cables to the appropriate ports on the blade. These ports might be directly on the blade or through the chassis midplane depending on your configuration and the installed interconnect modules in the chassis.
Management Cable (iLO): Connect a dedicated management cable to the iLO port on the blade. This port is used for out-of-band management.
Section 2: Initial Configuration with iLO
Access iLO: Open a web browser on your management workstation and connect to the IP address of your blade's iLO. This is typically a separate management network. If you don't know the iLO IP, it might be displayed on the chassis's management screen or assigned via DHCP.
Log in: Log in to iLO with your administrative credentials. The default credentials are usually Administrator/password (but you should change this immediately for security reasons).
Configure Network Settings (iLO): Configure the iLO network settings, including IP address, subnet mask, and gateway, through the iLO interface. This is crucial for accessing the blade remotely.
Configure Boot Order: Specify the boot order in the iLO interface. You can boot from local drives, SAN, or network (PXE).
Remote Console (iLO): Access the remote console (iKVM) through the iLO interface. This will allow you to see the server's screen and interact with it as if you were physically present. This is how you'll install your operating system.
Section 3: Remote Access Methods
There are several ways to remotely access the HPE ProLiant BL460c Gen10 Plus blade server:
iLO Remote Console (iKVM): iLO provides a built-in remote console that allows you to access the blade server's console remotely. This is your primary method for interacting with the server directly, especially during OS installation and troubleshooting.
SSH: After the operating system is installed and configured, you can access the blade server via SSH. This requires configuring SSH on the operating system.
Remote Desktop (RDP): If you've installed a Windows operating system on the blade, you can use Remote Desktop to access it remotely. This also requires configuration within the operating system.
Accessing iLO Remote Console (iKVM):
Log into the iLO interface.
Look for an option like "Remote Console," "iKVM," or "Launch Remote Console." The specific wording might vary slightly depending on the iLO firmware version.
Launch the remote console. This will typically use HTML5 or a Java applet, giving you access to the server's console.
Troubleshooting:
Blade not powering on: Check the chassis power, blade seating, and iLO status.
Network connectivity issues: Verify network cable connections, VLAN configuration, and IP address settings in iLO and the operating system.
Remote console not working: Check iLO settings, browser compatibility, and any firewall restrictions. Ensure you have the necessary iLO Advanced license for some features.
Important Considerations for HPE ProLiant Blades:
HPE OneView (for Synergy): If you are using a Synergy frame, HPE OneView is the primary management tool. Blade configuration and resource allocation are managed through OneView.
HPE Insight Manager (for c7000): For c7000 chassis, HPE Insight Manager (now largely superseded by OneView) might be used for management.
Firmware Updates: Keep the firmware for the chassis, blades, and interconnect modules up to date. HPE provides Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP) for simplified firmware updates.
Mezzanine Cards: The BL460c Gen10 Plus might support various mezzanine cards for networking or storage. Ensure these are properly installed and configured.
Conclusion:
This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of installing an HPE ProLiant BL460c Gen10 Plus blade server and configuring remote access. By following these steps, you should be able to successfully deploy and manage your blade servers. Remember to consult the official HPE documentation for the most up-to-date information and specific configuration details related to your chassis and blade model. HPE systems have a lot of configuration options, so consulting the official documentation is essential. This blog post is a starting point and may not cover all possible configurations. Always refer to official documentation for your specific setup.