Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers

Introduction

This support document provides an overview for the steps required to set up CIMC network connectivity for the UCS C-Series server.

Prerequisites

Requirements

Cisco recommends that you:

• Have a working knowledge of the Cisco UCS C-Series Server Blade hardware and software administration.

• Be familiar with UCS C-Series Servers Cisco Integrated Management Controller

• Understand the impact and implications of the different commands described in this document.

• Be familiar with the UCS C-Series components and topology.

Components Used

The information in this document is based on Cisco UCS C-Series Servers.

The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a default configuration. If your network is live, make sure that you understand the potential impact of any command.

Network Diagram

There is currently no specific network diagram available.

Conventions

Refer to the Cisco Technical Tips Conventions for more information on document conventions.

Background Information

There is currently no specific background information available.

Getting CIMC Started

Initial Setup

This is an overview of how to setup CIMC network connectivity for UCS C-Series servers.

KVM Features

Overview of KVM features:

1. Cisco C-Series Rack Servers provides a physical local video and two usb connections for a usb keyboard, video monitor, and usb mouse connection through the front panel of the Rack Server using the Cisco provided dongle connector.

2. All Rack Servers can have up to 4 active KVM over IP sessions in addition to the local connection at front or rear panels. All active sessions have full control of the console

3. KVM over IP supports text and graphics modes of the graphics controller and needs no manual setting to view data

4. Graphics modes supported are up to the video chips maximum capabilities of 1600 x 1200 with 16 bit color.

5. KVM sessions over Linux may, depending on Linux distribution, require mouse configuration

6. If KVM responsiveness seems slow; many factors such as network bandwidth latency can effect this. Reducing the color depth and resolution can improves the responsiveness.

7. Remote KVM shows exactly what is on the video. This is not a “serial terminal” view but rather a pixel by pixel rendition

8. If recording the session is desired you can use utilities on the local client such as webex or other screen capture applications.

9. If text logging of keystrokes is desired use SOL (Serial Over Lan) features and a terminal program to capture the text.

Cable Connections

Cable connections for C-Series servers:

1. C200 Front Panel:

   

   C200 Rear Panel:

   

   Connection for C200 Server:

   

2. C210 Front Panel:

   

   C210 Rear Panel:

   

   Connection for C210 Server:

   

3. C250 Front Panel:

   

   C250 Rear Panel:

   

   Connection for C250 Server:

   

Power Up the KVM

Complete these steps in order to power up the server:

1. Plug the power cord into the chassis.

   Note: 

   • CIMC initializes system standby (Power Off mode).

   • CIMC is active and can be controlled through GUI or CLI, if you know the IP address.

2. Depress Front Panel Power:

   • The Fans begins to spin up.

   • Then POST sequence begins.

   • At this point you can either boot up or begin the installation process.

   • Note that for large memory, models can display a blank screen for several minutes.

     

   • For C-250—If you immediately depress the power switch, you interrupt the CIMC initialization.

   • It is possible that the Fans spin down and the indicator turns yellow.

   • If this happens, wait and then press the power button again.

Power UP KVM View

While the server boots up, you can access BIOS, Cisco Splash Screen in Quiet mode:

• Press ESC in order to watch POST.

• Once the system begins to boot, press F2 in order to access the BIOS configuration screen. These steps require a physical KVM, either directly attached monitor and keyboard, or a local/remote KVM. Once the chassis boots, press F2 in order to get to this screen.

• Press F6 in order to manually choose the boot device.

• Press F12 for the network boot.

F8 to configure/view CIMC IP

While in BIOS you can press F8 for the CIMC IP address configuration and password reset.

1. Choose either DHCP or Static config.

2. Enter the VLAN tag if needed.

3. Enter the CIMC password.

4. After you make a change to IP or enable DHCP, you can press F5 in order to display the configured IP.

   

5. Press F10 in order to save the configuration.

Access CIMC

Complete these steps:

1. The POST and the option ROM config is displayed during the boot up process.

2. These are the Option ROM config screens, which are displayed:

   • LSI

   • HBA/CNA if installed

   • Additional NICs

   • LOM

   

3. Then point a Web browser to the configured CIMC IP address.

   • Default username: admin

   • Default password: password

   

4. Choose Admin > Network Settings and check Settings.

   

5. In order to revert to DHCP, from the Admin tab in the GUI, choose Network and in IPv4 properties, check the Use DHCP box. Reboot the chassis.

   

   

6. Monitor your DHCP server to see when the IP is assigned to your MAC. Then point to the new IP server.

   

   Once you logged into the CIMC, you can check the network setting:

   

Verify

Refer to the previous sub-sections for verifications.

Troubleshoot

There is currently no specific troubleshooting information available for this configuration.

Related Information

• Technical Support & Documentation - Cisco Systems