Using the IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) functionality provided by the Super Micro motherboard, you can basically configure the BIOS, install the FreeNAS OS and use your computer via a network connection. This avoids the need to hook a monitor and keyboard up to your server, it also allows you to mount an ISO as a virtual drive allowing you to install the OS incredibly easily. This post walks you through the process of installing FreeNAS using this method.

Required Software:

FreeNAS:

The latest stable release of FreeNAS from freenas.org.

SaltiNAS uses version 9.2.1.9 64-Bit

For remote connection to the Super Micro motherboard:

IPMIView from supermicro.com

v2.9.23 was used in the process below.

Outline of the installation

1. Connect to server using IPMI
2. Mount FreeNAS installation ISO as a bootable virtual drive.
3. Install FreeNAS
4. Reboot
5. Login
6. Victory Dance

 Connect to the server using IPMI

1. Connect the server to power and ensurr the motherboard is powered but not turned on.
2. Connect LAN port 1 or the dedicate IPMI LAN port on the server to your network (must be DHCP enabled)
3. Start IPMIView and scan your network for IPMI enabled devices.
   • Click the “Find” button.
   • Enter your network details then click the “Start” button.
   • The device will appear in the results list with assigned IP. 
   • Click on the device and “Save” it 
   • In the IPMI Domain menu, double click the device then login. Default username and password is “ADMIN” “ADMIN” (all uppercase)
   • Once logged in, you will see various options along the menu towards the bottom of the interface.
     • Event Log: Lets you review the IPMI logs. 
     • Sensors: Lets you review output the motherboards sensors.
     • IPM Device: Power management interface.
     • BMC Setting: This allows you to setup the IPMI netowrk intrface. It is important to pick a LAN Interface rather than ticking to “Failover” configuration. 
     • Users: Allows you to change the user info as well as information about the device 
     • Text Console: Virtual COM (RS232/RS485)connection to the server. 
     • KVM Console: Virtual Keyboard Video and Mouse connection to the server. This allows full control of the motherboard and even allows you to serve iso’s or file shares as virtual drives.