PowerEdge System Components

Dell Remote Management Cards

PowerEdge servers may be equipped with an optional remote management card at the time of purchase. Cards may also be purchased from Dell and installed by the user at a later date. These cards are called Dell Remote Assistant Cards (DRACs).

DRACs allow server administrators to remotely control and manage PowerEdge servers through network connections or over phone lines. The below image illustrates some common features found on DRACs:

• PCMCIA Modem: The modem card allows out-of-band communication with the server through a standard phone line. The PCMCIA interface allows it to be easily removed or replaced.

• Battery Pack: The batteries provide power to the DRAC while the server is powered off, allowing the card to remotely wake the server if needed.

• SMB Connector: The System Management Bus Connector is required for the card to communicate properly with the server. Because of this connection, the DRAC must occupy a specific PCI slot on the motherboard adjacent to the motherboard SMB connector.

• 32-bit PCI Interface: PowerEdge servers that support DRAC cards will have a PCI slot next to the SMB connector on the motherboard that the DRAC card must populate in order to function properly.