How to use IPMI on a Dedicated Server

An Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) is an industry standard to describe the subsystem of a server providing remote management and monitoring capabilities. IPMI gives you a way to manage and monitor a server even if it is powered off or unresponsive, by using a network connection to the hardware. IPMI is made possible by the Baseboard Management Controller, a totally independent piece of hardware connected to your network card, composed of an I2C bus and a dedicated processor.

Some examples of features that can be remotely monitored via the IPMI include:

• Ventilation
• Temperature
• Voltage
• Operating time

Actions that can be carried out via IPMI include:

• Rebooting via KVM
• Switching server off and/or on
• Configuration of automatic notification in case of hardware problems (power supply failure, temperature anomalies etc)
• Viewing of logs from the BIOS
• Accessing the serial port and BIOS over the network via serial console.

How to use IPMI via Dell iDRAC

IPMI is a standard specification for a remote management subsystem. On a Dell server, IPMI is realized through the iDRAC: the integrated Dell Remote Access Controller.

1. Click Services from the side menu.
   
   
2. Select your relevant server.
   
   
3. Click IPMI button.
   
   
4. Enter the authorized IPv4 address for the iDRAC connection. The IP address of your Internet connection is already pre-filled in the form. Then click Create to generate your credentials.
   
   
   Note:

   Currently only IPv4 addresses are accepted.

   The connection URL and your credentials display. Click on the link to access the iDRAC interface.
   
   

5. Use the interface to monitor and manage your server’s hardware:

   • The System tabs let you view various system information including system details, logs and power status. You can also use the Console/Media > Virtual Media tab to install your server remotely with a custom OS by connecting virtual media. To launch the KVM, click Remote Access Controller under System Details.
   • The iDRAC tabs show you information about the iDRAC itself.
   • Click the other relevant links on the left sidebar to see information about Batteries, Temperatures, Voltages etc as required.

How to use IPMI via HP iLO

IPMI is a standard specification for a remote management subsystem. On a Dell server, IPMI is realized through the ILO: the integrated Lights Out processor.

1. Click Services from the side menu.
   
   
2. Select your relevant server.
   
   
3. Click IPMI button.
   
   
4. Enter the authorized IPv4 address for the iDRAC connection. The IP address of your Internet connection is already pre-filled in the form. Then click Create to generate your credentials.
   
   
   Note:

   Currently only IPv4 addresses are accepted.

   The connection URL and your credentials display. Click on the link to access the iLO interface.
   
   

5. Use the interface to monitor and manage your server’s hardware:

   • The Information pages let you view various system information including system details, logs and diagnostics.
   • The Remote Console pages let you launch the KVM.
   • The Virtual Media pages let you install your server remotely with a custom OS by connecting virtual media.
   • Click the other relevant links on the left sidebar to see more information.