Users Guide

NOTE: IPMI SOL session may terminate while copying large input text from a client running Windows OS to a host
running Linux OS. To avoid the session from getting terminated abruptly, convert any large text to a UNIX-based line
ending.
NOTE: If a SOL session created using RACADM tool exists, starting another SOL session using IPMI tool will not show
any notification or error about the existing sessions.
SOL using SSH or Telnet protocol
Secure Shell (SSH) and Telnet are network protocols used to perform command line communications to iDRAC. You can parse remote
RACADM and SMCLP commands through either of these interfaces.
SSH has improved security over Telnet. iDRAC only supports SSH version 2 with password authentication, and is enabled by default.
iDRAC supports up to two SSH sessions and two Telnet sessions at a time. It is recommended to use SSH as Telnet is not a secure
protocol. You must use Telnet only if you cannot install an SSH client or if your network infrastructure is secure.
Use open-source programs such as PuTTY or OpenSSH that support SSH and Telnet network protocols on a management station to
connect to iDRAC.
NOTE: Run OpenSSH from a VT100 or ANSI terminal emulator on Windows. Running OpenSSH at the Windows command
prompt does not result in full functionality (that is, some keys do not respond and no graphics are displayed).
Before using SSH or Telnet to communicate with iDRAC, make sure to:
1. Configure BIOS to enable Serial Console.
2. Configure SOL in iDRAC.
3. Enable SSH or Telnet using iDRAC Web interface or RACADM.
Telnet (port 23)/ SSH (port 22) client <−−> WAN connection <−−> iDRAC
The IPMI-based SOL that uses SSH or Telnet protocol eliminates the need for an additional utility because the serial to network
translation happens within iDRAC. The SSH or Telnet console that you use must be able to interpret and respond to the data arriving
from the serial port of the managed system. The serial port usually attaches to a shell that emulates an ANSI- or VT100/VT220–
terminal. The serial console is automatically redirected to the SSH or Telnet console.
Using SOL from PuTTY on Windows
NOTE:
If required, you can change the default SSH or Telnet time-out at iDRAC Settings > Services.
To start IPMI SOL from PuTTY on a Windows management station:
1. Run the following command to connect to iDRAC
putty.exe [-ssh | -telnet] <login name>@<iDRAC-ip-address> <port number>
NOTE:
The port number is optional. It is required only when the port number is reassigned.
2. Run the command console com2 or connect to start SOL and boot the managed system.
A SOL session from the management station to the managed system using the SSH or Telnet protocol is opened. To access the
iDRAC command-line console, follow the ESC key sequence. Putty and SOL connection behavior:
• While accessing the managed system through putty during POST, if the Function keys and keypad option on putty is set to:
• VT100+ — F2 passes, but F12 cannot pass.
• ESC[n~ — F12 passes, but F2 cannot pass.
• In Windows, if the Emergency Management System (EMS) console is opened immediately after a host reboot, the Special Admin
Console (SAC) terminal may get corrupted. Quit the SOL session, close the terminal, open another terminal, and start the SOL
session using the same command.
Using SOL from OpenSSH or Telnet on Linux
To start SOL from OpenSSH or Telnet on a Linux management station:
NOTE:
If required, you can change the default SSH or Telnet session time-out at iDRAC Settings > Services.
1. Start a shell.
2. Connect to iDRAC using the following command:
Setting up iDRAC communication
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