FRU Update Procedure via Windows IPMItool (ASUS ESC N8 / N8A / N8A‑E12)

System: ASUS ESC N8‑Series Server

Purpose

This SOP defines the standardized procedure for updating FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) data on ASUS ESC N8‑series servers using IPMItool from a Windows workstation.

Responsibilities

• Engineer: Perform FRU update following this SOP.
• Team Lead: Validate FRU values post‑update.
• Operations: Maintain FRU binary repository and backups.

Prerequisites

• Windows laptop with admin rights
• IPMItool Win x64 (1.8.10 or later)
• Valid FRU binary file
• BMC credentials (admin)
• Physical or network access to server BMC

Safety & Precautions

• Ensure correct FRU binary is used; incorrect FRU may cause asset tracking issues.
• Do not interrupt FRU write operation.
• Maintain backup of original FRU before modification.
• Perform operation during maintenance window if server is in production.

Procedure

1. Configure Laptop Network

Set laptop to same subnet as BMC.

Direct Cable Connection

Code

IP Address: 192.168.7.100

Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

Gateway: (leave blank)

LAN / Switch Connection

Code

IP Address: 192.168.7.100

Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

Gateway: 192.168.7.2

2. Validate Connectivity

Ping Test

Code

ping 192.168.7.161

IPMI Port Test

Code

telnet 192.168.7.161 623

✔ Blank screen = IPMI reachable ❌ Connect failed = IPMI over LAN disabled

3. Enable IPMI Over LAN (If Disabled)

1. Open browser:

Code

http://192.168.7.161

2. Login → Server Mgmt
3. Navigate: BMC Settings → IPMI over LAN → Enabled
4. Save changes
5. Reboot BMC if required

4. Verify FRU Access

Navigate to IPMItool folder:

Code

cd C:\Users\computername\Downloads\IPMITool_win_x64_1.8.10

Run:

Code

.\ipmitoolx64.exe -I lanplus -C 3 -H 192.168.7.161 -U admin -P Password fru print 0

✔ Successful output → proceed ❌ Fix network/IPMI settings

5. Unlock FRU Write Region (Mandatory ASUS OEM Command)

Code:

.\ipmitoolx64.exe -I lanplus -C 3 -H 192.168.7.161 -U admin -P Password raw 0x30 0x17 0x01

Purpose: Unlocks FRU write protection on ASUS ESC N8‑series servers.

6. Write FRU Binary

Use actual FRU file path:

Code:

.\ipmitoolx64.exe -I lanplus -C 3 -H 192.168.7.161 -U admin -P Password fru write 0 "C:\Users\computername\Downloads\ESC_N8-E11V_FRU_T6S0MD00028J.bin"

Expected output:

Code

File Size: XXX bytes

Size to Write: XXX bytes

✔ Matching sizes = successful write

7. Verify FRU Update

Code

.\ipmitoolx64.exe -I lanplus -C 3 -H 192.168.7.161 -U admin -P Password fru print 0

Verify updated fields:

• Product Version
• Product Serial
• Board Serial
• Chassis Serial
  

Rollback Plan

If FRU update fails:

1. Re‑run unlock command
2. Re‑write FRU binary
3. Restore backup FRU file
4. Reboot BMC
5. Re‑verify FRU print

Completion Criteria

• FRU print shows updated values
• No errors in IPMItool output
• Asset records updated accordingly