Using Command Console and Virtual Media

This chapter introduces two key remote-management tools available in the BMC web interface: the Serial Over LAN (SOL) console and Virtual Media. These tools allow administrators to perform remote text

Using the SOL Console

The Serial Over LAN (SOL) console redirects the server’s serial output to the web interface for remote debugging and text-only management.

Available Controls

• Service – Enables or disables the SOL connection.

• Status – Displays the current connection state (e.g., Connected).

• Columns / Rows – Defines the size of the terminal display area.

• Open in new tab – Launch SOL in a separate browser tab

SOL is commonly used for OS-less troubleshooting and remote boot diagnostics.

Pro Tip: If the system is stuck during early boot, SOL usually displays messages before KVM becomes available.

Using Virtual Media

The Virtual Media page allows administrators to emulate removable media devices over the network. This feature enables remote OS installation, recovery, or mounting diagnostic utilities without physical access to the server.

Device Status

• Device 1–5: Displays the status of each virtual media device and indicates whether a disk emulation has been configured.

Image Share on Network

To configure a virtual media device, follow these steps:

1. Select Device: Choose the virtual media device (1–5) that you want to configure.

2. Share Host: Select the protocol and provide the server address. Supported protocols include:

   • Samba

   • HTTPS

   • NFS

3. Path to Image: Enter the full file path to the shared image. Supported formats include:

   • .iso

   • .img

   • .ima

   • /folder (directory-based mounting)

4. User (Optional) / Password (Optional): Provide authentication credentials if required by the selected protocol.

5. Save and Mount/Unmount

   • Click Save to apply the configuration.

   • Click Mount to attach the virtual media.

   • Click Unmount to detach it.

VM Viewer

The Virtual Media page also provides access to VM (Virtual Media) viewers:

• HTML5 VM Viewer: Launch the HTML5-based virtual media viewer or access help.

• Java VM Viewer: Download and launch the Java-based viewer in .jar format.

Common Mistake: If an image fails to mount, verify that the file path is correct and that the NFS/Samba/HTTPS permissions allow remote access.