HPE ProLiant ML30 Gen10 Server - Software and Configuration UtilitiesPromise Computer

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Server mode
The software and configuration utilities presented in this section operate in online mode, offline mode, orin both modes.

HPE ProLiant ML30 Gen10 server Software or configuration utility

Software or configuration utility	Server mode
Active Health System	Online and Offline
HPE iLO 5	Online and Offline
HPE Smart Storage Administrator	Online and Offline
iLO RESTful API	Online and Offline
Intelligent Provisioning	Online and Offline
Scripting Toolkit for Windows and Linux	Online
Service Pack for ProLiant	Online and Offline
Smart Update Manager	Online and Offline
UEFI System Utilities	Offline

Active Health System Viewer

Active Health System Viewer (AHSV) is an online tool used to read, diagnose, and resolve server issuesquickly using AHS uploaded data. AHSV provides Hewlett Packard Enterprise recommended repairactions based on experience and best practices. AHSV provides the ability to:

Read server configuration information
View Driver/Firmware inventory
Review Event Logs
Respond to Fault Detection Analytics alerts
Open new and update existing support cases

Active Health System

The Active Health System monitors and records changes in the server hardware and systemconfiguration.

The Active Health System provides:

Continuous health monitoring of over 1600 system parameters
Logging of all configuration changes
Consolidated health and service alerts with precise time stamps
Agentless monitoring that does not affect application performance

Active Health System data collection

The Active Health System does not collect information about users operations, finances, customers,employees, or partners.

Examples of information that is collected:

Server model and serial number
Processor model and speed
Storage capacity and speed
Memory capacity and speed
Firmware/BIOS and driver versions and settings

The Active Health System does not parse or change OS data from third-party error event log activities.

Active Health System Log

The data collected by the Active Health System is stored in the Active Health System Log. The data islogged securely, isolated from the operating system, and separate from customer data.

When the Active Health System Log is full, new data overwrites the oldest data in the log.

It takes less than 5 minutes to download the Active Health System Log and send it to a supportprofessional to help user resolve an issue.

When users download and send Active Health System data to Hewlett Packard Enterprise, they agree tohave the data used for analysis, technical resolution, and quality improvements. The data that is collectedis managed according to the privacy statement, available at the below mentioned website.

Click here to view HPE Privacy Statement Worldwide .

Users can also upload the log to the Active Health System Viewer.

HPE iLO 5

iLO 5 is a remote server management processor embedded on the system boards of HPE ProLiantservers and synergy compute modules. iLO enables the monitoring and controlling of servers fromremote locations. iLO management is a powerful tool that provides multiple ways to configure, update,monitor, and repair servers remotely. iLO (Standard) comes preconfigured on Hewlett Packard Enterpriseservers without an additional cost or license.

Features that enhance server administrator productivity and additional new security features are licensed.

iLO Federation

iLO Federation enables user to manage multiple servers from one system using the iLO web interface.

When configured for iLO Federation, iLO uses multicast discovery and peer-to-peer communication toenable communication between the systems in an iLO Federation group.

When an iLO Federation page loads, a data request is sent from the iLO system running the webinterface to its peers, and from those peers to other peers until all data for the selected iLO Federationgroup is retrieved.

iLO supports the following features:

Group health status – View server health and model information.
Group Virtual Media – Connect URL-based media for access by the servers in an iLO Federationgroup.
Group power control – Manage the power status of the servers in an iLO Federation group.
Group power capping – Set dynamic power caps for the servers in an iLO Federation group.
Group firmware update – Update the firmware of the servers in an iLO Federation group.
Group license installation – Enter a license key to activate iLO licensed features on the servers in aniLO Federation group.
Group configuration – Add iLO Federation group memberships for multiple iLO systems.

Any user can view information on iLO Federation pages, but a license is required for using the followingfeatures: Group Virtual Media, Group power control, Group power capping, Group configuration, andGroup firmware update.

iLO Service Port

The Service Port is a USB port with the label iLO on supported ProLiant Gen10 servers and SynergyGen10 compute modules.

The Service Port is a USB port with the label iLO on the front of the server.

When users have physical access to a server, user can use the Service Port to do the following:

Download the Active Health System Log to a supported USB flash drive.
When users use this feature, the connected USB flash drive is not accessible by the host operatingsystem.
Connect a client (such as a laptop) with a supported USB to Ethernet adapter to access the iLO webinterface, remote console, CLI, iLO RESTful API, or scripts.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise recommends the HPE USB to Ethernet Adapter (part number Q7Y55A).
Some servers, such as the XL170r, require an adapter to connect a USB to Ethernet adapter to theiLO Service Port.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise recommends the HPE Micro USB to USB Adapter (part number 789904-B21).
Connect a client (such as a laptop) with a supported USB to Ethernet adapter to access the iLO webinterface, remote console, iLO RESTful API, or CLI.
When users use the iLO Service Port:
Actions are logged in the iLO Event Log
The server UID flashes to indicate the Service Port status.
Users can also retrieve the Service Port status by using a REST client and the iLO RESTful API
Users cannot use the Service Port to boot any device within the server, or the server itself
Users cannot access the server by connecting to the Service Port
Users cannot access the connected device from the server

iLO RESTful API

iLO includes the iLO RESTful API, which is Redfish API conformant. The iLO RESTful API is amanagement interface that server management tools can use to perform configuration, inventory, andmonitoring tasks by sending basic HTTPS operations (GET, PUT, POST, DELETE, and PATCH) to theiLO web server.

RESTful Interface Tool

The RESTful Interface Tool (iLOREST) is a scripting tool that allows user to automate HPE servermanagement tasks. It provides a set of simplified commands that take advantage of the iLO RESTful API.Users can install the tool on their computer for remote use or install it locally on a server with a Windows orLinux Operating System. The RESTful Interface Tool offers an interactive mode, a scriptable mode, and afile-based mode similar to CONREP to help decrease automation times.

iLO Amplifier Pack

The iLO Amplifier Pack is an advanced server inventory, firmware and driver update solution that enablesrapid discovery, detailed inventory reporting, firmware, and driver updates by leveraging iLO advancedfunctionality. The iLO Amplifier Pack performs rapid server discovery and inventory for thousands ofsupported servers for the purpose of updating firmware and drivers at scale.

Integrated Management Log

The IML records hundreds of events and stores them in an easy-to-view form. The IML timestamps eachevent with one-minute granularity.

User can view recorded events in the IML in several ways, including the following:

From within HPE SIM
From within the UEFI System Utilities
From within the Embedded UEFI shell
From within the iLO web interface

Intelligent provisioning

Intelligent provisioning is a single-server deployment tool embedded in ProLiant servers and HPESynergy compute modules. Intelligent provisioning simplifies server setup, providing a reliable andconsistent way to deploy servers.

Intelligent provisioning prepares the system for installing original, licensed vendor media and HewlettPackard Enterprise-branded versions of OS software. Intelligent provisioning also prepares the system tointegrate optimized server support software from the Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP). SPP is acomprehensive systems software and firmware solution for ProLiant servers, server blades, theirenclosures, and HPE Synergy compute modules. These components are preloaded with a basic set offirmware and OS components that are installed along with Intelligent provisioning.

NOTE: HPE ProLiant XL servers do not support operating system installation with Intelligentprovisioning, but they do support the maintenance features.
After the server is running, user can update the firmware to install additional components. User can alsoupdate any components that have been outdated since the server was manufactured.

To access Intelligent provisioning:

Press F10 from the POST screen
From the iLO web interface using Always On. Always On allows user to access IntelligentProvisioning without rebooting server.

Intelligent provisioning operation

Intelligent provisioning includes the following components:

Critical boot drivers
Active Health System (AHS)
Erase Utility
Deployment Settings

NOTE:
Although user’s server is pre-loaded with firmware and drivers, user should update the firmwareupon initial setup to ensure user have the latest versions. Also, downloading and updating thelatest version of Intelligent provisioning ensures the latest supported features are available.

For ProLiant servers, firmware is updated using the Intelligent provisioning firmware updateutility.

Do not update firmware if the version users are currently running is required for compatibility.

Intelligent provisioning does not function within multihomed configurations. A multihomed host isone that is connected to two or more networks or has two or more IP addresses.

Intelligent provisioning provides installation help for the following operating systems:

Microsoft Windows Server
Red Hat Enterprise Linux
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
VMware ESXi/vSphere Custom Image

Not all versions of an OS are supported.

Management security

HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers are built with some of the industry’s most advanced security capabilities, outof the box, with a foundation of secure embedded management applications and firmware. Themanagement security provided by HPE embedded management products enables secure support ofmodern workloads, protecting users components from unauthorized access and unapproved use. Therange of embedded management and optional software and firmware available with the iLO Advancedand iLO Advanced Premium Security Edition licenses provides security features that help ensureprotection, detection, and recovery from advanced cyber-attacks.

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Scripting Toolkit for Windows and Linux

The STK for Windows and Linux is a server deployment product that delivers an unattended automatedinstallation for high-volume server deployments. The STK is designed to support ProLiant servers. Thetoolkit includes a modular set of utilities and important documentation that describes how to apply thesetools to build an automated server deployment process.

The STK provides a flexible way to create standard server configuration scripts. These scripts are used toautomate many of the manual steps in the server configuration process. This automated serverconfiguration process cuts time from each deployment, making it possible to scale rapid, high-volumeserver deployments.

UEFI System utilities

The UEFI System utilities is embedded in the system ROM. Its features enable user to perform a widerange of configuration activities, including:
Configuring system devices and installed options
Enabling and disabling system features
Displaying system information
Selecting the primary boot controller or partition
Configuring memory options
Launching other preboot environments

HPE servers with UEFI can provide:

Support for boot partitions larger than 2.2 TB. Such configurations could previously only be used forboot drives when using RAID solutions
Secure Boot that enables the system firmware, option card firmware, operating systems, and softwarecollaborate to enhance platform security
UEFI Graphical User Interface (GUI)
An Embedded UEFI Shell that provides a preboot environment for running scripts and tools
Boot support for option cards that only support a UEFI option ROM

Selecting the boot mode

This server provides two Boot Mode configurations: UEFI Mode and Legacy BIOS Mode. Certain bootoptions require that user select a specific boot mode. By default, the boot mode is set to UEFI Mode. Thesystem must boot in UEFI Mode to use certain options, including:

Secure Boot, UEFI Optimized Boot, Generic USB Boot, IPv6 PXE Boot, iSCSI Boot, and Boot fromURL
Fibre Channel/FCoE Scan Policy

NOTE: The boot mode user use must match the operating system installation. If not, changing the bootmode can impact the ability of the server to boot to the installed operating system.

Prerequisite

When booting to UEFI Mode, leave UEFI Optimized Boot enabled.

Procedure

From the System Utilities screen, select System Configuration > BIOS/Platform Configuration(RBSU) > Boot Options > Boot Mode.
Select a setting.
UEFI Mode (default) -Configures the system to boot to a UEFI compatible operating system
Legacy BIOS Mode – Configures the system to boot to a traditional operating system in LegacyBIOS compatibility mode
Save settings
Reboot the server

Secure Boot

Secure Boot is a server security feature that is implemented in the BIOS and does not require specialhardware. Secure Boot ensures that each component launched during the boot process is digitally signedand that the signature is validated against a set of trusted certificates embedded in the UEFI BIOS.Secure Boot validates the software identity of the following components in the boot process:

UEFI drivers loaded from PCIe cards
UEFI drivers loaded from mass storage devices
Preboot UEFI Shell applications
OS UEFI boot loaders

When Secure Boot is enabled:

Firmware components and operating systems with boot loaders must have an appropriate digitalsignature to execute during the boot process
Operating systems must support Secure Boot and have an EFI boot loader signed with one of theauthorized keys to boot

User can customize the certificates embedded in the UEFI BIOS by adding or removing users owncertificates, either from a management console directly attached to the server, or by remotely connectingto the server using the iLO Remote Console.

User can configure Secure Boot:

Using the System Utilities options described in the following sections
Using the iLO RESTful API to clear and restore certificates
Using the secboot command in the Embedded UEFI Shell to display Secure Boot databases, keys,and security reports

Launching the Embedded UEFI Shell

Use the Embedded UEFI Shell option to launch the Embedded UEFI Shell. The Embedded UEFI Shell isa preboot command-line environment for scripting and running UEFI applications, including UEFI bootloaders. The Shell also provides CLI-based commands USER can use to obtain system information, and toconfigure and update the system BIOS.

Prerequisites

Embedded UEFI Shell is set to Enabled.

Procedure

From the System Utilities screen, select Embedded Applications > Embedded UEFI Shell.The Embedded UEFI Shell screen appears
Press any key to acknowledge that users are physically present.
This step ensures that certain features, such as disabling Secure Boot or managing the Secure Bootcertificates using third-party UEFI tools, are not restricted
If an administrator password is set, enter it at the prompt and press Enter
The Shell> prompt appears
Enter the commands required to complete user task
Enter the exit command to exit the Shell

HPE Smart Storage Administrator

HPE SSA is the main tool for configuring arrays on HPE Smart Array SR controllers. It exists in threeinterface formats: the HPE SSA GUI, the HPE SSA CLI, and HPE SSA Scripting. All formats providesupport for configuration tasks. Some of the advanced tasks are available in only one format.

The diagnostic features in HPE SSA are also available in the standalone software HPE Smart StorageAdministrator Diagnostics Utility CLI.

During the initial provisioning of the server or compute module, an array is required to be configuredbefore the operating system can be installed. User can configure the array using SSA.

HPE SSA is accessible both offline (either through HPE Intelligent Provisioning or as a standalonebootable ISO image) and online:

Accessing HPE SSA in the offline environment.

NOTE: If users are updating an existing server in an offline environment, obtain the latestversion of HPE SSA through Service Pack for ProLiant before performing configurationprocedures.

Using one of multiple methods, user can run HPE SSA before launching the host operating system. Inoffline mode, users can configure or maintain detected and supported devices, such as optional SmartArray controllers and integrated Smart Array controllers. Some HPE SSA features are only available inthe offline environment, such as setting the boot controller and boot volume.

Accessing HPE SSA in the online environment

This method requires an administrator to download the HPE SSA executables and install them. Usercan run HPE SSA online after launching the host operating system.

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USB Support
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Gen10 servers support all USB operating speeds depending on the devicethat is connected to the server.

External USB functionality

Hewlett Packard Enterprise provides external USB support to enable local connection of USB devices forserver administration, configuration, and diagnostic procedures.

For additional security, external USB functionality can be disabled through USB options in UEFI SystemUtilities.

Redundant ROM support

The server enables user to upgrade or configure the ROM safely with redundant ROM support. The serverhas a single ROM that acts as two separate ROM images. In the standard implementation, one side ofthe ROM contains the current ROM program version, while the other side of the ROM contains a backupversion.

NOTE: The server ships with the same version programmed on each side of the ROM.

Safety and security benefits

When user flash the system ROM, the flashing mechanism writes over the backup ROM and saves thecurrent ROM as a backup, enabling user to switch easily to the alternate ROM version if the new ROMbecomes corrupted for any reason. This feature protects the existing ROM version, even if userexperience a power failure while flashing the ROM.

Updating firmware or system ROM

To update firmware or system ROM, use one of the following methods:

The Firmware Update option in the System Utilities.
The fwupdate command in the Embedded UEFI Shell
Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP)
HPE online flash components
Moonshot Component Pack

Service Pack for ProLiant

SPP is a systems software and firmware solution delivered as a single ISO file download. This solutionuses SUM as the deployment tool and is tested and supports HPE ProLiant, HPE BladeSystem, HPESynergy, and HPE Apollo servers and infrastructure.

SPP, along with SUM and iSUT, provides Smart Update system maintenance tools that systematicallyupdate HPE ProLiant, HPE BladeSystem, HPE Synergy, and HPE Apollo servers and infrastructure.

SPP can be used in an online mode on a server running Windows, Linux, or VMware vSphere ESXi, or inan offline mode where the server is booted to an operating system included in the ISO file.

Smart Update Manager

SUM is an innovative tool for maintaining and updating the firmware, drivers, and system software of HPEProLiant, HPE BladeSystem, HPE Synergy, and HPE Apollo servers, infrastructure, and associatedoptions.

SUM identifies associated nodes user can update at the same time to avoid interdependency issues.

Key features of SUM include:

Discovery engine that finds installed versions of hardware, firmware, and software on nodes
SUM deploys updates in the correct order and ensures that all dependencies are met before deployingan update
Interdependency checking
Automatic and step-by-step Localhost Guided Update process
Web browser-based user interface
Ability to create custom baselines and ISOs
Support for iLO Repository (Gen10 iLO 5 nodes only)
Simultaneous firmware and software deployment for multiple remote nodes
Local offline firmware deployments with SPP deliverables
Extensive logging in all modes

NOTE: SUM does not support third-party controllers, including flashing hard drives behind the controllers.

Integrated Smart Update Tools

Integrated Smart Update Tools (iSUT) is a software utility used with iLO 4, iLO 5, iLO Amplifier Pack, HPEOneView, Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP), and Smart Update Manager (SUM) to stage, install, andactivate firmware and driver updates.

iSUT: Polls iLO to check for requests from HPE OneView, SUM, or iLO Amplifier Pack for updatesthrough the management network and orchestrates staging, deploying, and activating updates. Usercan adjust the polling interval by issuing the appropriate command-line option provided by iSUT.Performs inventory on target servers, stages deployment, deploys updates, and then reboots theservers.

iLO 5 with integrated Smart Update (Gen10 servers only): Performs iLO Repository-based updatesby downloading the components from iLO Repository when iLO Installation Queue has thecomponents which can be updated by iSUT.

iLO Amplifier Pack: Displays available updates for servers. Communicates with iSUT (or SUT 1.x) toinitiate updates using the iLO Redfish interface. iSUT reports the status of updates to iLO AmplifierPack via iLO Restful Interface.

HPE OneView: Displays available updates for servers. Communicates with iSUT (or SUT 1.x) toinitiate updates, reports the status on the Firmware section of the Server Profile page of HPEOneView. HPE OneView provides automated compliance reporting in the dashboard.

SPP: A comprehensive systems software and firmware update solution, which is delivered as a singleISO image.

SUM: A tool for firmware and driver maintenance for HPE ProLiant servers and associated options.

NOTE: SUM, iLO Amplifier Pack, and HPE OneView should not manage the same nodes.
Updating firmware from the System Utilities

Use the Firmware Updates option to update firmware components in the system, including the system BIOS, NICs, and storage cards.

Procedure

Access the System ROM Flash Binary component for user’s server from the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support Center
Copy the binary file to a USB media or iLO virtual media
Attach the media to the server
Launch the System Utilities, and select Embedded Applications > Firmware Update
Select a device. The Firmware Updates screen lists details about user’s selected device, including the current firmware version in use
Select Select Firmware File
Select the flash file in the File Explorer list.
The firmware file is loaded and the Firmware Updates screen lists details of the file in the Selected firmware file field
Select Image Description, and then select a firmware image
A device can have multiple firmware images
Select Start firmware update

Updating the firmware from the UEFI Embedded Shell

Procedure

Access the System ROM Flash Binary component for user’s server from the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support Center

Copy the binary file to a USB media or iLO virtual media

Attach the media to the server

Boot to the UEFI Embedded Shell

To obtain the assigned file system volume for the USB key, enter map –r

Change to the file system that contains the System ROM Flash Binary component for user’s server.Enter one of the fsx file systems available, such as fs0: or fs1:, and press Enter

Use the cd command to change from the current directory to the directory that contains the binary file

Flash the system ROM by entering fwupdate –d BIOS -f filename

Reboot the server. A reboot is required after the firmware update in order for the updates to take effectand for hardware stability to be maintained

Online Flash components

This component provides updated system firmware that can be installed directly on supported operating systems. Additionally, when used in conjunction with SUM, this Smart Component allows the user to update firmware on remote servers from a central location. This remote deployment capability eliminates the need for the user to be physically present at the server to perform a firmware update.

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Drivers
NOTE: Always perform a backup before installing or updating device drivers.
Update drivers using any of the following Smart Update Solutions:

Click here to know about Smart Update Solutions.

Download the latest Service Pack for ProLiant (includes Smart Update Manager)

Create a custom SPP download

Download Smart Update Manager for Linux

Download specific drivers

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Software and firmware
Update software and firmware before using the server for the first time, unless any installed software or components require an older version.

For system software and firmware updates, use one of the following sources:

Download the SPP from the Hewlett Packard Enterprise website

Click here to download the SPP .

Download individual drivers, firmware, or other system software components from the server product page in the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support Center website.
Click here to download .

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Operating system version support
Click here to know about specific versions of a supported operating system .

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HPE Pointnext Portfolio
HPE Pointnext delivers confidence, reduces risk, and helps customers realize agility and stability. Hewlett Packard Enterprise helps customers succeed through Hybrid IT by simplifying and enriching the on-premise experience, informed by public cloud qualities and attributes.

Operational Support Services enable user to choose the right service level, length of coverage, and response time to fit users business needs.

Utilize the Advisory and Transformation Services in the following areas:

Private or hybrid cloud computing

Big data and mobility requirements

Improving data center infrastructure

Better use of server, storage, and networking technology

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Proactive notifications
30 to 60 days in advance, Hewlett Packard Enterprise sends notifications to subscribed customers on upcoming:

Hardware, firmware, and software changes

Bulletins

Patches

Security alerts

Click here to subscribe to proactive notifications .

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Link to the list of available documents
Click here to view a list of documents available for the HPE ProLiant ML30 Gen10 Server .

Click here to view the User Guide for the HPE ProLiant ML30 Gen10 Server .

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