Psychz - Shrirang
Votes: 0Posted On: Jul 28, 2017 02:48:21
Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) is a set of specifications that define the interfaces used to manage the hardware remotely. In simple terms, with the help of IPMI, we can perform various tasks on a server like accessing it's hardware, monitoring, booting, shutting down or even maintaining logs.
The IPMI is a separate hardware installed with the mother board and works completely discretely from it. The server need not be switched on for the IPMI to function. Until and unless a power supply is connected to the server, the IPMI can function properly. The IPMI attached to the mother board is either hardwired or is attached as a separate card. The hardware associated with IPMI is called the baseboard management controller (BMC). The IPMI does not require the services of the server's hardware BIOS, hardware and the operating system.
Here are some of the primary functions of IPMI.
Power Control over the server
One of the main function and benefit of using IPMI is that it has unprecedented control over the server. With the help of IPMI, you can perform tasks such as Powering ON, Powering OFF as well as rebooting the server. There are many ways to access the server remotely. But, since the IPMI is not associated with the operating system like most others, we can perform these operations even in the case of an operating system crash.
Hardware Monitoring
You can monitor every little important hardware piece of a server using IPMI. From fan status to fan speed, CPU temperature and status, power supply status every aspect of a server's hardware can be accessed and altered remotely. IPMI also offers the feature of e-mail notifications if something goes wrong.
Logging and Inventory
The IPMI is capable of maintaining logs pertainig to hardware changes and various events. It also keeps track of the hardware inventory. These logs are created and maintainred completely seperate from the operating system. In the case of a operating system crash, these logs are quite uselful and helps us to troubleshoot the issue.
Acessing the IPMI interface
1. Create a VPN connection to our IPMI network - The first and foremost thing is for you to connect to the VPN connection to which IPMI is situated.
2. The IPMI is connected to a separate port. Hence, you should have the IP address of the IPMI device. Also, a user should also be created along with password.
3. All you need to do is open your web browser and browse the IP address of the IPMI device.
4. The Supermicro page will be opened. Put in your credentials and you will be able to acees the IPMI interface.
