Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Configuring the Dell FX100 (zero client) to work with VMware View 4.5 and 4.6


Have you tried looking for documentation on the Dell FX100 zero client?  Sure there is some when connecting using the Dell Precision R5400 Rack Workstation, but what about connecting directly with VMware View.  The Dell Support site lacks this product when searching by name or even Service Tag number.  Without downloading the updated firmware, the Dell FX100 will not work with VMware View 4.5 or 4.6.

To get the latest firmware version, go to http://support.us.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&cs=555&l=en&s=biz&releaseid=R291621&formatcnt=0&libid=0&typeid=-1&dateid=-1&formatid=-1&source=-1&fileid=434645.  Here you will find version 3.2.1 with a release date of 12/17/2010.  If you are using the FX100 with the R5400, keep your firmware at 3.1.2 on both the FX100 and R5400.  Also, Dell notes that “this firmware release can only be installed on PCoIP processors running firmware release 1.4 or greater.  Are they planning to integrate this into other products?

Unzipping the downloaded file gives you “tera1x00_rel3-2-1_v296. all” and “version.txt”.  Version text gives you the following information:
Title      : Video:USI FX100 Remote Access Portal Firmware
Version    : A11
OEM Name   : USI
OEM Ver    : 3.2.1
Computers  : Precision - R5400

To update the firmware on the DX100, you must first find the device on your network.  It is configured for DHCP.  A network scan will reveal the open ports of 80, 427, and 443.  The MAC address will be from Teradici (00:22:5B), not Dell.  Just https to the IP address to gain access to the portal.  Go to Info, Version to check the Firmware Version.  Now click Update, Firmware, then browse to select “tera1x00_rel3-2-1_v296. all” and Upload.

Once the unit has restarted, the remaining configuration is fairly simple.  Go to Configuration, Initial Setup.  Select your Audio, Network, and Session options then Apply changes.
  Go to Configuration, VMware View to enable View and add the IP address of the Connection Server.
The Dell FX100 zero client should now prompt you with the VMware View login screen.