iDRAC (Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller) is a management hardware platform that Dell includes in their servers. It provides out-of-band management, meaning that it allows administrators to manage the server remotely even if the operating system is not running or the server is powered off. iDRAC is embedded in Dell PowerEdge servers and offers several features:
1. **Remote Access**: Allows administrators to access the server remotely over a network.
2. **System Management**: Provides tools for monitoring and managing server hardware.
3. **Troubleshooting**: Includes diagnostic tools for identifying and resolving issues.
4. **Automation**: Supports automation of repetitive tasks through scripting.
5. **Firmware Updates**: Facilitates updating firmware without requiring physical access to the server.
6. **Power Management**: Enables remote control of server power states (power on/off, reset).
7. **Virtual Console**: Provides a web-based console for direct interaction with the server as if physically present.
8. **Secure Management**: Supports secure communication protocols and access controls.
iDRAC is a crucial component for administrators, especially in large data centers or environments where physical access to servers is limited or impractical.