ASUS ASMB3-SOL User Manual
ASMB3-SOL PLUS
Server Management Board
E3761
First Edition V1
April 2008
Copyright © 2008 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
ii
Contents
Contents ...................................................................................................... iii
Notices .......................................................................................................... v
Safety information ...................................................................................... vi
About this guide ........................................................................................ vii
ASMB3-SOL PLUS specications summary ............................................ ix
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-2
1.2 Package contents .........................................................................
1.3 Board layout .................................................................................
1.4 System requirements ...................................................................
1.5 Network and smart phone setup ................................................
Chapter 2: Installation
2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-2
2.2 Hardware installation ...................................................................
2.3 Firmware update and IP conguration .......................................
2.3.1 LAN rmware update ......................................................
2.3.2 ASMB3-SOL PLUS rmware update ..............................
2.3.3 Congure BMC IP source static IP ..................................
2.3.4 Congure BMC IP source DHCP ....................................
2.4 BIOS conguration ......................................................................
2.4.1 AMI BIOS setup ..............................................................
2.4.2 Phoenix BIOS setup ......................................................
2.5 Running the ASMC2 utility ........................................................
2.5.1 Conguring the LAN controller ......................................
2.5.2 Using ASWM to update the ASMB3-SOL PLUS rmware ..
2.6 Software installation ..................................................................
2.6.1 Installing the ARC .........................................................
2.6.2 Launching ARC .............................................................
1-2
1-3
1-3
1-4
2-2
2-5
2-5
2-6
2-7
2-8
2-9
2-9
2-13
2-18
2-20
2-22
2-23
2-23
2-24
Chapter 3: Software support
3.1 ASUS Remote Console (ARC) ..................................................... 3-2
3.1.1 ARC sections ..................................................................
3.1.2 Connecting to the remote server .....................................
3.1.3 Retrieving sensor information .........................................
3.1.4 Displaying FRU information ..........................................
3-3
3-6
3-8
3-10
iii
Contents
3.1.5 Displaying system event logs .........................................3-11
3.1.6 Using Remote Console .................................................
3.1.7 Displaying all remote server sensors ............................
3.1.8 Adjusting the monitoring settings ..................................
3.1.9 Updating the remote server BIOS le ...........................
3.1.10 Controlling the remote server power .............................
3.1.11 Viewing PET information ...............................................
3.2 ASUS Host Management Controller Setup ...................................
3.2.1 Installing and launching the ASUS Host Management
Controller Setup utility ...................................................3-21
3.2.2 Command elds ............................................................
3.2.3 Initial ..............................................................................
3.2.4 View ..............................................................................
3.2.5 Set .................................................................................
3.2.6 Monitor ..........................................................................
3.2.7 Help ...............................................................................
Appendix: Reference information
A.1 LAN port for server management ...............................................A-2
A.2 BMC socket ...................................................................................
A.3 Converting decimal to hexadecimal ...........................................
A.4 Troubleshooting ...........................................................................
3-12
3-13
3-14
3-16
3-17
3-18
3-21
3-22
3-22
3-22
3-25
3-26
3-26
A-3
A-4
A-5
iv
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
•
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
•
This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
v
Safety information
Electrical safety
•
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the
electrical outlet before relocating the server.
•
When adding or removing devices to or from the server, ensure that the
power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are
connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing server
before you add a device.
•
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the server, ensure that all
power cables are unplugged.
•
Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord.
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
•
Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area.
If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using,
contact your local power company.
•
If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a
qualied service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•
Before installing any component to the server, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
•
Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer
immediately.
•
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
•
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in
any area where it may become wet.
•
Place the product on a stable surface.
•
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied
service technician or your retailer.
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical,
electronic equipment, and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic
products.
vi
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring
the server management board.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the server management board features and the new
technologies it supports.
• Chapter 2: Installation
This chapter provides instructions on how to install the board to the server
system and install the utilities that the board supports.
• Chapter 3: Software support
This chapter tells you how to use the software applications that the server
management board supports.
• Appendix: Reference Information
The Appendix shows the location of the LAN port for server management and
BMC socket on several motherboards. This section also presents common
problems that you may encounter when installing or using the server
management board.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty
yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.
vii
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself
when trying to complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components
when trying to complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means
that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.
<Key1+Key2+Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>
Command Means that you must type the command exactly as shown,
then supply the required item or value enclosed in
brackets.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
format a:
viii
ASMB3-SOL PLUS specications summary
IPMI features IPMI 2.0-compliant and supports:
CPU 16-bit H8S/2000 core 33 MHz
Chipset Renesas H8S/2168
Internal RAM 40 KB
Internal ROM 256 KB
External RAM 128 KB
Interrupt I2C, Timer, UART, LPC
Timers 16-bit system timer
System interface Low Pin Count
Serial/Modem interface Basic Mode
LAN interface IPMI 2.0 Shared LAN
LED BMC heartbeat
Bus Two I2C bus
Features Remote power on/off
Software support ASUS Remote Console (ARC)
- Auto monitoring sensor and event logging
- IPMI Host I/O interface
- Receiving and logging of event messages
- IPMB/I2C system interface
- System Watchdog Timer (ASR)
Watchdog timer
Supports Keyboard Controller Style (KCS)
One IPMB bus
Two UART bus
Remote BIOS update
Short Message Service (SMS)
Remote Console Redirection (text mode)
Serial-Over-LAN (SOL)
Remote reboot
Upgradeable rmware
Platform Event Trap (PET)
Dynamic Host Conguration Protocol (DHCP)
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
ASUS Host Management Controller Utility (DOS-based)
* Specications are subject to change without notice.
ix
x
This chapter describes the server
management board features and the new
technologies it supports.
Chapter 1: Product
1
introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® ASMB3-SOL PLUS server management board!
The ASUS ASMB3-SOL PLUS is an Intelligent Platform Management Interface
(IPMI) 2.0-compliant board that allows you to monitor, control, and manage a
remote server from the local or central server in your local area network (LAN).
The ASMB3-SOL PLUS comes with the proprietary ASUS Remote Console
(ARC) application that offers round-the-clock remote server monitoring through
the component sensors. With ARC, you can monitor the remote server CPU(s)
temperature(s), system temperature, fan rotations, and power supply voltages. The
ASMB3-SOL PLUS records each remote server system event for accurate and
efcient troubleshooting.
ARC allows you to update the remote server system BIOS le when it gets
outdated or corrupted. It also lets you move through the BIOS le menus using the
Remote Console Redirection feature. To keep you always informed of the remote
server system status, ARC is also capable of sending Short Message Service
(SMS) or text message to your mobile or PDA phone.
The ASMB3-SOL PLUS comes with a power management feature that allows
you to power on/off or reset the remote server giving you full control during
power-critical situations. The server management board also comes with a
Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) information feature that gathers information
on replaceable system components or modules such as the motherboard or
backplane model name, serial number, manufacturer, etc. You can use the FRU
information when reporting and/or replacing server system components.
Before you start installing the server management board check the items in your
package with the list below.
1.2 Package contents
Check your server management board package for the following items.
• ASUS ASMB3-SOL PLUS board
• Support CD
• User guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.3 Board layout
The ASUS ASMB3-SOL PLUS comes in a BMC package. The illustration below
shows the major components of the server management board.
External RAM
BMC
heartbeat
LED
Board connectors
Server
management
chip
LED indicators
The ASMB3-SOL PLUS board comes with a BMC heartbeat LED. Refer to the
table below for the LED indications.
LED Name Status Description
LED1 BMC Heartbeat Blinking ASMB3-SOL PLUS rmware is in execution
Off The ASMB3-SOL PLUS rmware is corrupted
or the server system standby-power is off.
1.4 System requirements
Before you install the ASMB3-SOL PLUS board, check if the remote server system
meets the following requirements:
• ASUS server motherboard with Baseboard Management Controller (BMC)
socket*
• LAN (RJ-45) port for server management**
®
• Microsoft
Internet Explorer 5.5 or later
* Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for an updated list of server
motherboards that support the ASMB3-SOL PLUS.
** See the Appendix for details.
ASUS ASMB3-SOL PLUS 1-3
1.5 Network and smart phone setup
The ASMB3-SOL PLUS server management board installed on the remote server
connects to a local/central server via direct LAN connection or through a network
hub. Below are the supported server management congurations.
Direct LAN connection
RJ-45 cable
USB
cable
Remote host
with ASMB3-SOL PLUS
LAN connection through a network hub
Local host with
ASUS Remote
Controller (ARC)
Hub or router
USB
cable
Remote host
with ASMB3-SOL PLUS
Local host with ASUS
Remote Controller
(ARC)
1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter provides instructions on how
to install the board to the server system and
install the utilities that the board supports.
Chapter 2: Installation
2
2.1 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install the server management
board to the remote server system.
• Unplug the server system power cord from the wall socket before touching
any component.
• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to
a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling
components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded
antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.
• Before you install or remove any component, ensure
that the power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from
the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the
motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.
2.2 Hardware installation
The illustrations shown in this section are for reference only and may not be
exactly the same as the one in your package.
To install the server management board:
1. Remove the remote server system
cover, then locate the Baseboard
Management Controller (BMC)
socket on the motherboard.
Refer to the Appendix section for
the location of the BMC socket
on supported motherboards.
2. Position the board at a 30º-45º
angle, then match the notch on the
board with the break on the socket.
3. Carefully push the board to the
socket until its connectors (golden
ngers) are fully-inserted to the
socket.
2-2 Chapter 2: Installation
4. Press the board rmly until the BMC
socket retaining clips snap back and
secure the board in place.
When installed, the board appears
as shown.
5. Reinstall the server system cover, then connect the power plug to a grounded
wall socket.
6. Insert the LAN cable plug to the LAN port for server management.
Refer to the Appendix for the location of the LAN port for server management on
various server motherboards.
7. For direct LAN conguration, connect the other end of the LAN cable to the
local/central server LAN port.
For connection to a network hub or router, connect the other end of the LAN
cable to the network hub or router.
ASUS ASMB3-SOL PLUS 2-3
To uninstall the board:
1. Simultaneously push the BMC
socket retaining clips outward
until the board tilts up.
2. Carefully pull the board out from
the BMC socket, then set aside.
2-4 Chapter 2: Installation
2.3 Firmware update and IP conguration
You need to update the IPMI and ASMB3-SOL PLUS rmware before you start
using the ASMB3-SOL PLUS board.
2.3.1 LAN rmware update
IPMI rmware should be updated before the update of ASMB3-SOL PLUS
rmware. Otherwise, the board may not function properly.
To update the Intel® ESB2 LAN rmware:
1. Insert the support CD into the optical drive.
2. Restart the remote server, then press <Del> during POST to enter the BIOS setup.
3. Go to Boot menu and set the Boot Device Priority item to [CD-ROM].
4. When nished, press <F10> to save your changes and exit the BIOS setup.
5. On reboot, the main menu appears.Select
and press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu.
ASUS Server RS162-E4/RX4 System
FreeDOS command prompt
ESB2 ASF Firmware Update
ESB2 IPMI Firmware Update
ASMB3-SOL PLUS Firmware Update
Congure BMC IP Source Static IP
Congure BMC IP Source DHCP
6. A conrmation message appears, asking whether you want to update the
rmware or not. Press <Y> to update.
Are you sure you want to update ESB2 IPMI Firmware now?
Yes or No [YN]?
ESB2 IPMI Firmware Update,
The rmware updating process starts.
Please do NOT interrupt the writing EEPROM image process !!
Writing EEPROM image 3%
7. When the update process is complete, the following screen appears.
Please do NOT interrupt the writing EEPROM image process !!
Writing EEPROM image 100%
Reading EEPROM image 100%
Compare EEPROM image content and buffer is OK !!
Completed ...
8. Turn off the system and unplug the AC power cord for 5 seconds before
restarting the system.
It is necessary to update the Broadcom® LAN rmware if you install ASMB3-SOL
PLUS on a motherboard/system with Broadcom
IPMI Firmware Update from the main menu while booting from the support CD.
Then complete the rmware update following the screen instructions.
ASUS ASMB3-SOL PLUS 2-5
®
LAN chip. Select Broadcom
2.3.2 ASMB3-SOL PLUS rmware update
1. Repeat the step 1-4 in the previous sub-section.
2. On reboot, the main menu appears.Select
Update, and press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu.
ASUS Server RS162-E4/RX4 System
FreeDOS command prompt
ESB2 ASF Firmware Update
ESB2 IPMI Firmware Update
ASMB3-SOL PLUS Firmware Update
Congure BMC IP Source Static IP
Congure BMC IP Source DHCP
3. A screen appears, showing the current (if any) rmware version, and the new
rmware version. The screen also displays a conrmation message asking
whether or not you want to update the rmware appears. Press <Y> to update.
Current Firmware Version : 2.01 (RS162-E4/RX4)
Update Firmware Version : 2.02 (RS162-E4/RX4)
Do you want to update rmware (y/n)?
The rmware updating process starts.
Current Firmware Version : 2.01 (RS162-E4/RX4)
Update Firmware Version : 2.02 (RS162-E4/RX4)
Do you want to update rmware (y/n)?
Now, Starting to update rmware
Detect Flash Type = 2168
Programming Flash ...
Progress : 100
Initial BMC. Please wait..
Wait BMC ready.
Initial BMC O.K.
Update rmware Finish!
Detect MotherBoard -> (RS162-E4/RX4)
Detect KCS Interface
Size of SDR is 3584 bytes
enter update mode
Clear SDR ? (Y/N)
Clear SDR.
Loading SDR
SDR Loaded !
Exit update mode
Press any key to continue . . ._
ASMB3-SOL PLUS Firmware
4. When the update is complete, turn off the system and unplug the AC power
cord for 5 seconds before restarting the system.
2-6 Chapter 2: Installation
2.3.3 Congure BMC IP source static IP
1. Repeat the step 1-4 in the previous sub-section.
2. On reboot, the main menu appears.Select
IP, and press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu.
ASUS Server RS162-E4/RX4 System
FreeDOS command prompt
ESB2 ASF Firmware Update
ESB2 IPMI Firmware Update
ASMB3-SOL PLUS Firmware Update
Congure BMC IP Source Static IP
Congure BMC IP Source DHCP
3. A conrmation message appears, asking if you want to congure the BMC IP
source static IP now. Press <Y>.
Are you sure you want to congure BMC IP Source Static IP now?
Yes or No [YN]?
4. When the conguration is completed, the below screen appears.
Detect Motherboard -> (DSBF-DR/SAS)
Detect KCS Interface
New BMC IP Source : Static IP
Press any key to continue ...
Congure BMC IP Source Static
5. Go to BIOS menu to set the IP.
ASUS ASMB3-SOL PLUS 2-7
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