Updating the BIOS, firmware and settings
VxFlex Ready Node deployments require specific versions of drivers, BIOS, and firmware that have been qualified by
Dell EMC. If the servers do not have the correct versions, you must update them.
A variety of factors can influence a mismatch between the required versions and the versions installed on the servers,
such as firmware updates post server shipment, or a FRU replacement with a different firmware version than in the
warehouse. For example, if you have replaced the server system board, the FRU's BIOS and iDRAC firmware versions
will be different.
You are required to verify that all server drivers, BIOS, and firmware meet the required versions, as published in the
VxFlex Ready Node Driver and Firmware Matrix, located at https://support.emc.com/products/42216, before
deploying a server in the VxFlex Ready Node environment.
To perform any updates needed to meet VxFlex Ready Node requirements, use the VxFlex Ready Node Hardware
Update Bootable ISO ("Hardware ISO"). The Hardware ISO is based on the Dell OpenManage Deployment Toolkit
(DTK). The DTK provides a framework of tools necessary for the configuration of VxFlex Ready Node servers. For
VxFlex OS, a custom script has been injected, along with specific qualified BIOS/firmware update packages.
The Hardware ISO has been designed to make the firmware update process consistent and simple. You can use it to
update firmware, BIOS, and configuration settings two different ways, depending on how many VxFlex Ready Node
servers you are updating:
l
To update the firmware, BIOS, and configuration settings on a single server, use the iDRAC Virtual KVM.
l
If several servers in the VxFlex Ready Node deployment require updates, it is recommended that you use
remote RACADM. RACADM allows for the simultaneous update of the versions on multiple VxFlex Ready Node
servers, with minimal steps. For instructions, see Update the hardware using remote RACADM on page 76.
For additional information regarding the Hardware ISO, see DTK - Hardware Update Bootable ISO on page 76.
Update the hardware using the iDRAC virtual console
The iDRAC Virtual KVM console and Virtual CDROM features, provided by the iDRAC Enterprise license, eliminate the
need for physical access to the VxFlex Ready Node servers. The Hardware ISO can be attached as a remote/Virtual
CDROM image and configured to perform hardware updates to the VxFlex Ready Node firmware.
About this task
If you are performing updates on multiple servers, you can optionally use remote RACADM instead. When remote
RACADM is used, you do not need to use multiple web browser windows and perform manual keyboard and mouse
clicks for each server. To use remote RACADM, seeUpdate the hardware using remote RACADM on page 76.
For more information about the Hardware ISO, see DTK - Hardware Update Bootable ISO on page 76.
Procedure
1. Ensure that the laptop or server is configured with access to the iDRAC network.
For details, see "Set up the iDRAC IP address and BIOS" in this publication.
2. Download the VxFlex Ready Node Hardware Update Bootable ISO from https://support.emc.com/products/
42216 and make it accessible in the network share folder or other appropriate folder.
3. Connect to the iDRAC Virtual KVM console.
4. Attach the Hardware ISO to Virtual Media.
a. From the Virtual Media menu, select Connect Virtual Media.
b. From the Virtual Media menu, select Map CD/DVD.
c. Click Browse, and select the Hardware ISO.
Configuring the hardware
22 VxFlex Ready Node Operating System Installation Guide for Linux
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