The Challenge:
It is no secret at this point that VMware is moving more to the ESXi hypervisor model. This poses a few challenges the least of which is how to update a server’s firmware, Bios, and other hardware level items without a Linux Service Console. With many of the servers also not coming with floppy drives, we are forced to find creative ways to boot from floppy images, bootable CD’s, and other methods. This I have found recently to be cumbersome to say the least. However, specifically on new DELL servers there is something I found that becomes VERY useful. It is called the Dell Unified Server Configurator. If you have not used it here is a few useful tips. I am not sure if there is a similar tool for IBM or HP, I just happen to have a DELL in my home lab. I should point out there is also a new vSphere plugin by DELL for doing updates like this that is a paid for option.
Requirements of the Dell Server Configurator
The first thing I noticed is that I needed to move the network ports on my server to ports that were NOT trunked, or in an EtherChannel. I needed an Access port on a known VLAN where either DHCP is available or I could configure a static IP address for internet access. Without this you cannot access the DELL FTP services where the updates are stored. Secondly you need to get into the embedded configurator by pressing F10 while booting.
Once we have entered the USC we can look at the options available for updates.
Using The DELL USC Application:
Once the application starts up you can now edit the network settings used by the USC, connect to an FTP server for ftp.dell.com and examine the updates available to your system. This is as simple as adding the network settings and looking up the updates that are available to your system.
If you choose you can inspect the current versions of the firmware that is installed on your system. Simply select Platform Updates and then view current versions.
Updating Your Firmware
Once you have setup the network and checked your current versions you can simply connect to FTP.DELL.COM to see what updates are available. Select the ones you want to install and the rest will happen for you including any reboots that are required.
The application may take a few minutes before it returns the available updates.
Select the updates you want to apply and complete the process
