On a Dell PowerEdge 16G server, iDRAC is configured to use a shared LOM port. What happens if the Auto-Dedicated NIC option is enabled and a dedicated NIC becomes available?

The "Auto-Dedicated NIC" feature is designed for automatic network path selection. When this option is enabled in iDRAC network settings, the iDRAC monitors the dedicated NIC port. If a network cable is connected and a link is established on the dedicated port, the iDRAC will automatically failover its network traffic from the shared LOM (LAN on Motherboard) port to the dedicated NIC port. This transition occurs dynamically without requiring a server or iDRAC reboot, ensuring continuous management availability on the preferred port.

A. iDRAC uses both the shared LOM and dedicated NIC simultaneously for redundancy: iDRAC uses only one network interface for management traffic at a time; it does not bond or use both simultaneously.
C. iDRAC disables network connectivity until manually reconfigured: The purpose of the "Auto" feature is to perform the switchover automatically, not to disable connectivity and require manual intervention.
D. iDRAC continues using the shared LOM port until the next reboot: The automatic switchover is a key benefit of this feature, designed to happen in real-time without the need for a service-impacting reboot.

1. Dell iDRAC9 7.00.00.00 User's Guide, Page 178, Section: "Configuring iDRAC network settings". The guide describes the "Auto-Dedicated NIC" option, stating it allows iDRAC to automatically switch to the dedicated NIC when it becomes available.

2. Dell PowerEdge R760 Installation and Service Manual, Page 101, Section: "iDRAC network settings". It explains the NIC selection modes, including the automatic failover to the dedicated NIC if available.