I began the install, Debian 6.0, 64 Bit Graphical.

I get through network config, and everything seems to check out, ifconfig, ping testing to the server... it's connecting.

I need to look into this further server side tomorrow, but assuming there are no network issues... is there any reason it would not connect to download mirrors?

I just did an install on same rack, dell server not IBM, it went flawlessly. IBM is already putting up a fight.

So, it's failing to download more content, I end up with no GUI and basic install.

Any ideas?

-CN

you say you can ping the server, so it tells me the network interface is on, but it does not prove your default route is set correctly.
Also, to get to download mirrors (I suppose that's what I call a repository in Fedora), you need a working dns.

Here is a bit of homework for you.

use route command to know your different routers around you, and especially your default router.
try pinging that default router

#find what your dns server is set to:
cat /etc/resolv.conf
ping that dns

#try using that dns:
ping www.google.com

#find your mirror server IP, can't help you there, that's Debian specific
#then try pinging it

With all of this, you should get an idea on where it's failing.

Have fun