Overview
Some servers, such as the BL460 G7, BL460 G8, BL465c G8, and certain BL460c G9 models, utilize the Emulex BE3 network chipset.
This chipset is not supported by CentOS 8, CentOS 9, and their derivatives, including AlmaLinux 8 & 9, Rocky Linux 8 & 9, and CloudLinux 8 & 9.
As a result, standard installation media may not recognize the network adapter, leading to installation issues.
To address this, we have created custom AlmaLinux 8 and AlmaLinux 9 bootable ISO files that include the necessary drivers for the Emulex BE3 network chipset.
Available at: http://cdn.flokinet.net/AlmaLinux-9.0-x86_64-boot-be2net.iso
You only need to access the VPN provided with your dedicated server, to access to the server's management interface (iLO).
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Step 1: Access the Server's iLO Interface
- Connect to the VPN: Ensure you are connected to the VPN provided with your server.
- Open iLO Interface: Launch a web browser and enter the IP address of your server's iLO interface.
- (This IP address, along with the username and password, was provided in your server's delivery details.)
- Log In: Enter the iLO credentials to access the management interface.
Step 2: Mount the Custom AlmaLinux ISO
- Locate the Custom ISO: Use the following links to access the custom AlmaLinux ISO files (these links are only reachable via the VPN):
- AlmaLinux 8.5 Custom ISO: http://cdn.flokinet.net/AlmaLinux-8.5-x86_64-boot-be2net.iso
- AlmaLinux 9.0 Custom ISO: http://cdn.flokinet.net/AlmaLinux-9.0-x86_64-boot-be2net.iso
- Mount the ISO via Virtual Media:
- In the remote console window, locate the "Virtual Media" or "Virtual Drives" menu.
- Select "Virtual Media" > "Virtual Media" (or "Virtual Drives" > "Image File CD/DVD").
- In the dialog that appears, choose to mount an image from a URL.
- Enter the URL of the custom ISO file (e.g.,
http://cdn.flokinet.net/AlmaLinux-9.0-x86_64-boot-be2net.iso).
- Enter the URL of the custom ISO file (e.g.,
- Click "Mount" or "Connect" to attach the ISO to the virtual drive.
- Verify the ISO is Mounted: The ISO should now appear as a virtual CD/DVD drive connected to the server.
Step 3: Boot from the ISO and Begin Installation
- Reboot the Server: From the iLO interface, reboot the server if it is not already powered on.
- Launch Remote Console:
- In the iLO interface, navigate to the "Remote Console & Media" tab.
- Click on "Launch" to open the remote console. You can choose either the HTML5 or Java console based on availability.
- Access Boot Menu: During the server's boot sequence, press the appropriate key (usually F11) to access the boot menu.
- Select Boot Device: Choose the "Virtual CD/DVD-ROM" or "Virtual Drive" as the boot device.
- Begin Installation: The server will boot from the custom AlmaLinux ISO. Proceed with the AlmaLinux installation as you normally would.
Step 4: Post-Installation Steps
After completing the OS installation, perform the following steps to ensure the network driver stays updated alongside the OS:
- Import ELRepo GPG Key:
rpm --import https://www.elrepo.org/RPM-GPG-KEY-elrepo.org - Install ELRepo Repository:
yum -y install https://www.elrepo.org/elrepo-release-9.el9.elrepo.noarch.rpmNote: Replace
elrepo-release-9.el9.elrepo.noarch.rpmwith the appropriate package if you are using AlmaLinux 8. - Update System and Install Network Driver:
yum -y update && yum -y install kmod-be2net - Rebuild Initramfs:
dracut -f -v
Important: The ELRepo repository may have slower download speeds. Please be patient during the installation process.
Step 5: Complete the Setup
- Restart the server to ensure all updates and driver installations take effect.
- Confirm that the network adapter is functioning correctly with full network connectivity.
Assistance
If you need any assistance, please open a ticket with our Dedicated Server department, and we will be happy to assist you with the installation.
