One thing I really like about Cisco UCS C-Series servers is the CIMC card.  Without paying extra, you get effectively a fully featured out of band management card, all the way down to the integrated KVM within the CIMC web interface.  Cool, right?  Technically, you arguably don’t need a KVM in your server rack if you have these servers.  Just get the CIMC card on the network, and you’re golden!

But what about initial deployments?  You gotta get that CIMC card on the network.

During a deployment today with a customer in a branch site of Cisco UCS C-Series standalone servers, I ran into an interesting scenario.  The customer did not have a keyboard and mouse at the site (it was still under construction).  This was partly because they opted not to purchase a KVM because the CIMC cards in the servers.

Did you know you can configure the BIOS settings and CIMC card via a Serial connection?

Yep, just plug your Cisco console cable into the back console port, or adapt it to serial and connect it into the front VGA/USB/Serial dongle, boot up the server, and enter the keystroke to go into the BIOS or CIMC configuration setup when you see it.

The only notable thing is to set your terminal app to 115200 for baud rate, but the rest of the settings are typical for Cisco gear.

So, yeah, with my trusty Air Console serial device (more on that later), I am able to configure the BIOS or CIMC card with my iPhone or iPad.  Look ma, no keyboards or monitors!