Configuring the server

This section describes the general configuration of the server. The next section describes the specific procedures for the Lenovo Converged HX Series appliances.

The following configuration programs come with the server:

• Setup Utility

  The Setup Utility is part of the UEFI firmware. Use it to perform configuration tasks such as changing interrupt request (IRQ) settings, changing the startup-device sequence, setting the date and time, and setting passwords. For information about using this program, see Using the Setup Utility.

• Boot Manager program

  The Boot Manager is part of the UEFI firmware. Use it to override the startup sequence that is set in the Setup Utility and temporarily assign a device to be first in the startup sequence. For more information about using this program, see Using the Boot Manager.

• Integrated management module

  Use the integrated management module 2.1 (IMM2.1) for configuration, to update the firmware and sensor data record/field replaceable unit (SDR/FRU) data, and to remotely manage a network. For information about using the IMM, see Using the integrated management module and Integrated Management Module II User’s Guide.

• Remote presence capability and blue-screen capture

  The remote presence and blue-screen capture features are integrated functions of the integrated management module 2.1 (IMM2.1). The remote presence feature provides the following functions:

  • Remotely viewing video with graphics resolutions up to 1600 x 1200 at 75 Hz, regardless of the system state
  • Remotely accessing the server, using the keyboard and mouse from a remote client
  • Mapping the CD or DVD drive, diskette drive, and USB flash drive on a remote client, and mapping ISO and diskette image files as virtual drives that are available for use by the server
  • Uploading a diskette image to the IMM memory and mapping it to the server as a virtual drive

  The blue-screen capture feature captures the video display contents before the IMM restarts the server when the IMM detects an operating-system hang condition. A system administrator can use the blue-screen capture feature to assist in determining the cause of the hang condition. For more information, see Using the remote presence and blue-screen capture features.

• Ethernet controller configuration

  For information about configuring the Ethernet controller, see Configuring the Ethernet controller.

• Features on Demand software Ethernet software

  The server provides Features on Demand software Ethernet support. You can purchase a Features on Demand software upgrade key for Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) and iSCSI storage protocols. For more information, see Enabling Features on Demand Ethernet software.

• Lenovo ToolsCenter Suite CLI

  Lenovo ToolsCenter Suite CLI is a collection of server management tools that utilize a command line interface program to manage firmware, hardware, and operating systems. And it covers the configuration function, which is an alternative to the Setup Utility for modifying UEFI settings. For more information about using this program, see Lenovo ToolsCenter Suite CLI program.

• Lenovo XClarity Administrator

  Lenovo XClarity Administrator is a centralized resource-management solution that enables administrators to deploy infrastructure faster and with less effort. The solution seamlessly integrates into System x, ThinkServer, and NeXtScale servers, as well as the Flex System converged infrastructure platform.

  Lenovo XClarity Administrator provides the following features:

  • Intuitive graphical user interface

  • Automated discovery and inventory

  • Firmware updates and compliance

  • Configuration patterns

  • Bare metal deployment

  • Security management

  • Upward integration

  • Representational state transfer (REST) application programming interfaces and Windows PowerShell

  • Simple network management protocol (SNMP), system log, and e-mail forwarding

  For more information, see Using Lenovo XClarity Administrator.

• Using the Setup Utility
  Use these instructions to start the Setup Utility.
• Using the Boot Manager
  The Boot Manager program is a built-in, menu-driven configuration utility program that you can use to temporarily redefine the first startup device without changing settings in the Setup Utility.
• Starting the backup server firmware
  The system board contains a backup copy area for the server firmware. This is a secondary copy of the server firmware that you update only during the process of updating the server firmware. If the primary copy of the server firmware becomes damaged, use this backup copy.
• The UpdateXpress System Pack Installer
  The UpdateXpress System Pack Installer detects supported and installed device drivers and firmware in the server and installs available updates.
• Using the integrated management module
  The integrated management module (IMM) is a second generation of the functions that were formerly provided by the baseboard management controller hardware. It combines service processor functions, video controller, and remote presence function in a single chip.
• Using the remote presence and blue-screen capture features
  The remote presence and blue-screen capture features are integrated functions of the integrated management module 2.1 (IMM2.1).
• Configuring the Ethernet controller
  The Ethernet controllers are integrated on the system board. They provide an interface for connecting to a 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1 Gbps network and provide full-duplex (FDX) capability, which enables simultaneous transmission and reception of data on the network.
• Enabling Features on Demand Ethernet software
  You can activate the Features on Demand (FoD) software upgrade key for Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) and iSCSI storage protocols that are integrated in the integrated management module.
• Lenovo ToolsCenter Suite CLI program
  The Lenovo ToolsCenter Suite CLI program is a collection of server management tools. Lenovo ToolsCenter Suite CLI also covers the configuration function, which is an alternative to the Setup Utility for modifying UEFI settings.
• Using Lenovo XClarity Administrator
  
• Updating the Universal Unique Identifier (UUID)
  The Universal Unique Identifier (UUID) must be updated when the system board is replaced. Use the Lenovo ToolsCenter Suite CLI to update the UUID in the UEFI-based server.
• Updating the DMI/SMBIOS data
  The Desktop Management Interface (DMI) must be updated when the system board is replaced. Use the Advanced Settings Utility to update the DMI in the UEFI-based server.