1.Can I connect our notebook STRAIGHT to the C460's network port, say M1 or M2 (10/100 Management Port) via s cross cable with the initial CIMC IP as say 192.168.1.1 and my notebook's IP as 192.168.1.2? Can we use private IP first? Then at later stage, customer will install the actual routeable Production IP.
[Robert] - Yes. Assuming the NIC mode is set to "dedicated"
Customer DOES NOT provide any Prod IP yet. Assuming I also install OS onto the hard drive, I assign another private IP 192.168.1.3 to 1 of the NIC. In this case, can I launch a browser with the CIMC IP as the url from within the installed OS? Will it work? Or I have to launch it from my notebook???
[Robert] - Yes. Assuming the NIC mode is set to "dedicated"
2.
What is the recommended network ports to use for CIMC physical connection? The 2 1GB LOM OR the 2 10/100 Managemenet Ports M1 and M2 below or something else?
[Robert] - Dedicated mode using the two CIMC interfaces, unless you're strapped for available ports on your switches.
3.
If I INSTALL a bare-metal OS onto the hard drives, HOW MANY network adapters/ports WILL I SEE as C460 has 8 network ports, I believe-2 10G SFP+, 2 10G-BASE-T, 2 1 GB-LOM and 2 10/100 Management Ports? Very, very confusing. Which NIC come as DEFAULT???
[Robert] You should see all network ports except the "M" Management interfaces. You may need to load the appropriate OS-speicifc driver from the C-Series drivers CD before they are detected by the OS.
4.
Can someone EXPLAIN in detail what is the pros and cons of NIC Mode in the CIMC setup screen and what is the recommendations for network redundancy?
[Robert]
Network Modes:
Dedicated - uses the "dedicated" M1 and M2 management interfaces for CIMC access. Single management IP configured, both ports can respond to the management IP.
Shipping - Management Port is assigned a static IP of 10.1.1.7. Management Port 2 is configured for DHCP.
Shared LOM - Assigns the CIMC management IP to the 1G LOM interfaces. Single management IP is configured, both ports can respond to the management IP.
Shared LOM 10G - Assigns/Shares the CIMC management IP to the 10G LOM interfaces. Single management IP is configured, both ports can respond to the management IP.
Cisco - Used with the P81E Virtual Interface Card (VIC). This is not currently used, but is for future UCSM integration.
Redundancy:
Dedicated = Port Failover or Teamed PortsShared LOM = Port Failover or Teamed Ports
As for preferences, it comes down to do you want your management traffic sharing the same physical interfaces (likely separate by VLAN only) as your data traffic? Most customers opt for the dedicated mode for management which connects to a separate Management network.
5.
Should DHCP be enabled on C460 assuming it is STILL not plugged into the Prod LAN yet? If yes, what is the IP addresses I will see and How many? I DO NOT see any sticker or label anywhere on the casing? Is there any default?
[Robert] See "shipping" settings which assign a static and DHCP to particular interfaces. Detailed above.
6.
If I enable DHCP and plug C460 into a Production LAN, how can I ensure that I will be getting the SAME CIMC IP address everytime I connect to it since it is DHCP-provided IP EXCEPT that we reset/reboot the C460 and note the DHCP-provided IP during boot up?
[Robert] To avoid any default IP address conflicts, either setup the CIMC with a unique static IP using the console, or locally connected cross-over connection, or use one fo the pre-configured DHCP ports.
Unless we change the LEASE PERIOD to a much longer time? Any suggestion?
[Robert] - Seven days is usually standard, however for management best practice states to use static IPs.
7.
Can we install OS straight WITHOUT using CIMC GUI? Or is it recommended?
[Robert] - Sure. You just need a keyboard, monitor, mouse. You can load the installation CD/DVD and do it via console. This requires local access to the server, which is not always possible. CIMC & KVM with virtual media let you plug it in, set it up and manage it remotely from then on.
