Opleiding: Dell PowerEdge Server Concepts [ESSVRD05641]

OVERVIEW

The Dell PowerEdge Server Concepts training introduces PowerEdge server product concepts and related technologies. The course consists of four modules that focus on the fundamental concepts of the current Dell PowerEdge server technologies. The fundamental concepts include an introduction to servers, server networking, server maintenance, and server security and data protection. The training provides learners with the technical characteristics, attributes, and elements that define the PowerEdge portfolio.

The course focuses on the technologies used in the 15th, 16th, and 17th generation of PowerEdge servers.

Updated 28/07/2026

OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this training, participants should be able to:

• Describe the PowerEdge server portfolio, server storage components, and the supported RAID technologies
• Discuss the elements of the physical and network layers of the OSI model that include the different types of Ethernet cables, Ethernet speeds, and Ethernet standards.
• Follow common service practices, cautions, and component replacements.
• Analyze server security and data backup solutions.

CONTENT

The content of this training is designed to support the training objectives. 

Module 1: Server Introduction and Storage Concepts

Servers

1- Dell PowerEdge Servers

a- Server form factors (Tower, Rack, Modular, XE, XR)

b- Model nomenclature

2- Technology Evolution - CPU, memory, PCIe, and network advancements across generations

3- Server Overview - Server characteristics and client server architecture

4- Server Network Storage

a- DAS, NAS, SAN, Cloud storage

b- Storage capacity planning

5- Components of Storage - SATA, SAS, SSD, NVMe, E3, BOSS, NVDIMM, Backplane, Intel Optane

RAID Concepts

1- Introduction to RAID - RAID levels (0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60)

2- RAID Implementation - Matching RAID levels to use cases

3- Virtual Memory - Concepts and benefits

Server Management Tools

1- Common Management Tools - iDRAC, Lifecycle Controller, RACADM, OpenManage

2- Server Setup and Configuration Utilities - System Setup, Boot Manager, Lifecycle Controller

3- Lifecycle Controller - Features and use cases

4- PowerEdge Management with the iDRAC UI - Licensing tiers and capabilities

5- Supported Operating Systems and Compatibility - VMware, Windows, Red Hat, Ubuntu, SUSERack Integration

Module 2: Networking Fundamentals

Networking Introduction

1- Network nodes and architecture

2- OSI model layers

Physical and Network Layers

1- Ethernet Overview - Ethernet standards, identifiers, and broadcast domains

2- Physical Layer: Cabling and Connectors

a- Twisted-pair cables (UTP vs STP)

b- SFP, QSFP, and patch cables

3- Physical Layer: On-Board Network Cards

a- LAN on Motherboard (LOM)

b- Open Compute Project (OCP) NICs

4- Network Layer: Internet Protocol

a- IPv4 and IPv6

b- IP classes, subnetting, and addressing

c- Static vs dynamic IPs

Application Layer

1- Session and Application Layer Overview - Server roles and application communication

2- Application Layer: Common Applications

a- DHCP, ARP, DNS, NTP

b- Email and file transfer protocols (SMTP, POP, IMAP, FTP, SFTP, TFTP, HTTP)

Virtualization

1- Virtualization Overview - Benefits and infrastructure

2- Hypervisors and Virtual Machines

a- Bare metal vs hosted hypervisors

b- Hyper-V and VMware ESXi requirements

3- Virtual Networks - Private, internal, and external switches

Server-Based Solutions

1- File Sharing Solution - Server selection, OS, network configuration, and security

2- High-Performance Computing (HPC) Solution - Compute nodes, storage, networking, and cluster management

3- Generative AI Solution - AI-optimized servers, storage, and software stack

Module 3: Server Maintenance

Introduction

1- Introduction to Server Maintenance

2- ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD)

3- Hardware Servicing Practices

Server Components

1- 3D Simulators

2- Common Server Components

3- System Board Architectures

4- Easy Restore

5- CPUs, GPUs, DPUs

6- Server Memory

7- PowerEdge RAID Controller (PERC)

8- Backplanes

9- Onboard Cards

10- Risers and Expansion Cards

Power and Cooling

1- Power Supply Unit (PSU)

2- Server Cooling

3- Fans and Air Shrouds

Maintenance and Monitoring

1- Resources and Downloads

2- Configuration and Change Management

3- Configuration Profiles

4- Hardware Status Monitoring

5- iDRAC Maintenance Menu

6- Logs

7- iDRAC Troubleshooting Features

8- Common Windows and Linux Monitoring

9- Performing a Shutdown

Module 4: Security and Data Protection

Server Security

1- Server Security Overview

a- Physical and digital security

b- Site security practices

2- Server Security Features

a- Boot Guard

b- TPM 2.0

c- Secure Boot

d- Lockdown Mode

e- CPU Security

3- BIOS, UEFI, and CMOS - Boot modes and system configuration

4- Trusted Platform Module (TPM) - Authentication, attestation, and Secure Component Verification (SCV)

5- Authentication and Authorization - Role-based access, ACLs, and protocols (LDAP, FIDO, etc.)

6- iDRAC UI Restrictions and Security - User roles, lockdown mode, and access control

7- Secure Connect Gateway - Monitoring, diagnostics, and automated support

Data Protection and Backup

1- Introduction to Backup - Backup topology and server roles

2- Backup Storage Solutions

a- Primary, backup, and archival storage

b- Dell PowerStore, PowerScale, PowerVault, LTO, PowerProtect

3- Running Backups and Frequency

a- Backup scheduling, retention, and integrity

b- Dell Cloud Clinical Archive (DCCA)

4- Restoring and Validating Data - Recovery planning and testing