Server Remote Management (IPMI)
iXsystems remote server management* (based on the IPMI standard) consists of hardware and software components that allow system administrators to securely manage, monitor, diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair servers from a remote location, any place, any time.
Save time and money:
As a company's server infrastructure grows, the strain on already taxed IT staff increases. This is especially true for environments that are geographically dispersed. The need to have dedicated, on-site server administrators for multiple locations can be expensive. However, having direct access to server resources can be critical to ensuring that those systems are running optimally and to fix any issues that may arise, without physically being there.
Manage distributed servers from a remote console:
With remote power management (on/off/restart), virtual media redirection, and full remote KVM access, you have all the necessary tools and functionality to manage your servers without stepping foot in the data center, using a dedicated remote management network interface card or sharing an on-board LAN port.
Better Disaster recovery
Access a server after a server failure, power outage, or loss of a network connection.
Simple Interface
Achieve full control of the server hardware and operating system from any client system running a java-enabled Web browser, even if the server is down or hung. Also responds to any open IPMI standard command line as well (ipmitool, freeipmi, smcipmi)
*Remote management (IPMI) is a standard option on most iXsystems servers.
IPMI has many useful features which will be of great value to any administrator:
- Lights-out management
- IPMI with KVM Over LAN
- Serial Over LAN (SOL)
- Virtual Media Over LAN
- (virtual USB floppy/CD and drive redirection)
- LAN Alert-SNMP Trap
- Event Log
- OS Independent
- Hardware Health Monitor
- Remote Power Control
- Management Tools - IPMIView, CLI (Command Line Interface)
- Support RMCP & RMCP+ protocols
How
How does it work?
IPMI defines the protocols used for interfacing with an embedded service processor. This service processor - also known as Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) - resides on a server motherboard or in the chassis of a blade server or telecom platform. The BMC links to a main processor and other on-board elements via a simple serial bus.
What
What does it do?
The Intelligent Management module monitors on-board instrumentation such as temperature sensors, power status, voltages and fan speed, and provides remote power control capabilities to reboot and/or reset the server. It also includes remote access to the BIOS configuration and operating system console information via SOL (Serial over LAN) or embedded KVM capabilities. Because the controller is a separate processor, the monitoring and control functions work regardless of CPU operation or system power-on status. IPMI also provides interoperability between different servers, as well as the baseboard and chassis. This versatility is a great enhancement and allows for extensible and scalable remote management.
Access
Anytime, and anywhere
An administrator accesses the BMC by using an IPMI-compliant management application loaded on a PC or via a web interface on a management appliance that includes IPMI management and KVM. The IPMI protocol leverages an out-of-band network (typically dedicated for server monitoring and management), which provides a flawless and secure path for mission-critical applications when regular in-band connectivity is lost or is unresponsive. IPMI messages follow the same format whether they are received through an operating system or are sent and received out-of-band.
Features
Additional Features
Systems featuring the IPMI 2.0 specification supports Serial over LAN to redirect serial console functionality into IPMI over IP. Administrators can then gain full remote access to text-based system information and control for BIOS, utilities, operating systems and applications. IPMI 2.0 also offers major security enhancements. In summary, SIM includes the following key features:
- Embedded microprocessor providing optional out-of-band KVM capabilities, extending the use of a single keyboard/monitor/mouse to the entire network.
- Enhanced authentication support that provides stronger processes for establishing secure remote sessions and authenticating users.
- Enhanced encryption support that allows for secure remote password configuration and protects sensitive system data when transferred over the network.
Resources
IPMI Resources
Login Tips
Once you are connected to the remote server, the following login screen will display.
- Enter your Username.
- Enter your Password and click .
- The Home Page will display on the next page.
Note 1: To use the IPMI View Utility to access BMC/IPMI settings, refer to the IPMI View User's Guide for instructions.
Note 2: The manufacturer default username and password are ADMIN. Once you have logged into the BMC using the manufacturer default password, be sure to change your password for system security.
Note 3: For IPMI to work properly, please enable all on-board USB ports and the COM port designated for SOL (IPMI) on the motherboard. All USB ports and the COM port for IPMI are enabled in the system BIOS by default. The COM port for IPMI is marked with "*" in the BIOS.