[ale] 1U server question

Ryan Fish FishR at bellsouth.net
Thu Oct 25 10:22:39 EDT 2007


-----Original Message-----
From: ale-bounces at ale.org [mailto:ale-bounces at ale.org] On Behalf Of Jim
Lynch
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2007 4:56 AM
To: Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts
Subject: Re: [ale] 1U server question

Jeff Lightner wrote:
> I think you missed the point.
>
> The NIC/IP discussed below is for a "management card" which is separate
> from the standard kind of NIC you use for OSes.  Typically such
> "management cards" are accessible even when the OS is shutdown so long
> as there is power to the chassis.   These are quite common on UNIX
> servers such as HP.
>
> My earlier suggestion was that the Dell 1950 has something built into it
> already that may do this though I wasn't sure.  If not I know they do
> sell a management card solution for some of their systems.  It appears
> Jonathan is saying Dell and HP do sell such solutions.
>
> The benefit to this device is you can use it to power cycle the system
> even when the OS is already down.  They also usually have a console
> interface so that you can access the OS when it up.  Also since it is
> built into your 1U rack space you don't have to try to plan for more
> rack space for external KVM or remote power controllers.
>   
OK, I understand.  Thanks.
-----------------------------------------


If you go with Dell hardware get the DRAC.
If you go with HP hardware get the iLO and pay for the console access
license.
If you go with any other hardware check into what they offer in the way of a
remote management card.

Your other option is to use a KVM-over-IP.  I've installed and used the
Avocent offerings in several locations.
http://www.avocent.com/web/en.nsf/Content/solution-server

If you're only going to have a single server you can connect the KVM-over-IP
switch directly to your box.  Otherwise you would connect it to a standard
KVM switch that connects to your box.

BTW, if you go with a Dell most, if not all, of them now only come with USB
ports so verify with the vendor and plan accordingly if you choose to use a
KVM-over-IP solution.






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