[DOCS] Deploy EMT via Serial over LAN

docs/developer-guide/get-started/deployment/emt-serial-over-lan.md

@@ -0,0 +1,183 @@
+# Deploy Edge Microvisor Toolkit via Serial over LAN (SOL)
+
+In this article, you will learn how to deploy Edge Microvisor Toolkit using the
+Serial over LAN (SOL) method.
+
+Traditional methods such as KVM consoles, physical serial connections, or SSH
+have been commonly used to access and manage servers. However, they have certain
+limitations, especially during system boot or failure conditions. SSH depends
+on the operating system and network services being fully operational, while KVM
+requires graphical access, and physical serial connections often require direct
+cabling to server.
+
+Serial Over LAN (SOL) addresses these limitations by redirecting the server’s
+serial console input and output over a network connection through the management
+controller, allowing administrators to remotely access the server’s text-based
+console, including BIOS and boot messages, even when the operating system is not
+running.
+
+This enables remote troubleshooting and management without requiring physical
+access or additional serial cabling.
+
+Testing Serial over LAN (SOL) in a BMC (Baseboard Management Controller)
+environment usually involves verifying that the host serial console is redirected
+through the BMC network interface and accessible remotely via IPMI
+
+Below you will find the necessary configuration for SOL to work.
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+- The BMC IP address configured.
+- A Management LAN cable connected to the BMC port.
+- ipmitool installed on the client system.
+- The host serial console redirection enabled.
+
+## Configure BIOS Settings on Server
+
+Configure BIOS for serial redirection. Navigate to
+**System setup ->  System BIOS  -> Serial Communication**
+
+![BIOS Settings](../../assets/sol-bios-settings.png)
+
+## Configure SOL Settings on Xeon BMC
+
+Open WebUI of BMC through BMCIP. Navigate to
+**iDRAC Settings -> Connectivity -> Serial Over LAN**.
+
+![Xeon BMC Settings](../../assets/sol-xeon-bmc.png)
+
+## Remote Client (ipmi) settings in XEON BMC
+
+Configure the IPMI settings. Navigate to
+**iDRAC Settings -> Connectivity -> Network -> IPMI Settings**.
+
+![Xeon BMC Settings](../../assets/sol-ipmi-xeon-bmc.png)
+
+## Set up the remote client
+
+> **Note:** You should run all IPMI commands on the client machine.
+
+To set up the remote client machine, you need to install ipmi:
+
+```bash
+sudo apt install ipmi
+```
+
+## Manage SOL (Serial Over LAN) session
+
+1. Start a SOL session.
+
+   ```bash
+   ipmitool -I lanplus -H <BMC-IP> -U admin -P password sol activate
+   ```
+
+2. Stop the SOL session.
+
+   To stop the active SOL session, run the following command:
+
+   ```bash
+   ~.
+   ```
+
+   You can also stop it from another shell on the client machine by running:
+
+   ```bash
+   ipmitool -I lanplus -H <BMC-IP> -U admin -P password sol deactivate
+   ```
+
+3. Check the SOL configuration.
+
+   ```bash
+   ipmitool -I lanplus -H <BMC-IP> -U admin -P password sol info
+   ```
+
+   To learn more about ipmitool commands, refer to the guides at
+   [linux.die.net](https://linux.die.net/man/1/ipmitool) or
+   [ibm.com](https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/power9/0000-REF?topic=POWER9_REF/p9eih/p9eih_ipmi_commands.html).
+
+## Verify SOL configuration
+
+> **Note:**
+> The settings have been configured and tested on the DELL R760 server.
+> They have been executed from a remote client and verified with the
+> latest EMT 3.0 ISO image.
+
+1. To verify the configuration, run the following command:
+
+   ```bash
+   ipmitool -I lanplus -H <BMC-IP> -U admin -P password sol info
+   ```
+
+   ![Verify SOL Settings](../../assets/sol-verify-configuration.png)
+
+2. For system status information, run:
+
+   ```bash
+   ipmitool -I lanplus -H 10.47.99.78 -U root -P Password chassis status
+   ```
+
+   ![System Status Information](../../assets/sol-system-status.png)
+
+3. Activate the SOL session on the client and reboot the server.
+
+   ```bash
+   vm@edgebuildvm2:~$ ipmitool -I lanplus -H 10.47.99.78 -U root -P Password sol activate
+   ```
+
+   Output:
+
+   ```text
+   [SOL Session operational.  Use ~? for help]
+   KEY MAPPING FOR CONSOLE REDIRECTION:
+
+   Use the <ESC><1> key sequence for <F1>
+   Use the <ESC><2> key sequence for <F2>
+   Use the <ESC><3> key sequence for <F3>
+   Use the <ESC><0> key sequence for <F10>
+   Use the <ESC><!> key sequence for <F11>
+   Use the <ESC><@> key sequence for <F12>
+
+   Use the <ESC><Ctrl><M> key sequence for <Ctrl><M>
+   Use the <ESC><Ctrl><H> key sequence for <Ctrl><H>
+   Use the <ESC><Ctrl><I> key sequence for <Ctrl><I>
+   Use the <ESC><Ctrl><J> key sequence for <Ctrl><J>
+
+   Use the <ESC><X><X> key sequence for <Alt><x>, where x is any letter
+   key, and X is the upper case of that key
+
+   Use the <ESC><R><ESC><r><ESC><R> key sequence for <Ctrl><Alt><Del>
+
+   Press the spacebar to pause...
+   Initializing PCIe, USB, and Video... Done
+   PowerEdge R760
+   BIOS Version: 2.2.7
+   Console Redirection Enabled Requested by iDRAC
+
+   F2       = System Setup
+   F10      = Lifecycle Controller (Config
+              iDRAC, Update FW, Install OS)
+   F11      = Boot Manager
+   F12      = PXE Boot
+   iDRAC IPV4:  10.47.99.78 [Dedicated]
+   Initializing Firmware Interfaces...
+
+   Enumerating Boot options...
+   Enumerating Boot options... Done
+   Loading Lifecycle Controller Drivers...
+   Loading Lifecycle Controller Drivers...Done
+   Lifecycle Controller: Collecting System Inventory...
+
+   iDRAC IPV4:  10.47.99.78 [Dedicated]
+   Lifecycle Controller: Done
+   Booting...
+   Booting from PCIe SSD in Slot 23 in Bay 1: Edge Microvisor Toolkit
+   Welcome to GRUB!
+     Booting `EdgeMicrovisorToolkit GNU/Linux, with Linux 6.12.67-1.emt3'
+   Loading Linux 6.12.67-1.emt3 ...
+   Loading initial ramdisk ...
+   ```
+
+4. Exit the SOL session.
+
+   Use `~.` in the current session, or `ipmitool sol deactivate`
+   from another active session.

docs/developer-guide/get-started/emt-installation-howto.md

@@ -1,11 +1,13 @@
 # Install Edge Microvisor Toolkit
 
 Edge Microvisor Toolkit is flexible in how it can be installed. It can be deployed
-on bare metal, or on a virtual machine, as a guest or host for virtualization of other operating systems.
+on bare metal, via serial over LAN, or on a virtual machine, as a guest or host
+for virtualization of other operating systems.
 This section describes in detail how to try out Edge Microvisor Toolkit in different
 deployment environment.
 
 - [Deploying Edge Microvisor Toolkit on Bare Metal](./deployment/emt-bare-metal.md)
+- [Deploying Edge Microvisor Toolkit via Serial over LAN](./deployment/emt-serial-over-lan.md)
 - [Deploying Edge Microvisor Toolkit on Virtual Machines](./deployment/emt-vm-guest.md)
 - [Deploying Edge Microvisor Toolkit using EMT VIRT](./deployment/emt-vm-host.md)
 
@@ -19,6 +21,7 @@ deployment environment.
 :hidden:
 
 ./deployment/emt-bare-metal.md
+./deployment/emt-serial-over-lan.md
 ./deployment/emt-vm-guest.md
 ./deployment/emt-vm-host.md