KVM over IP - Quickstart

An Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) is an industry standard to describe the subsystem of a server providing remote management and monitoring capabilities. IPMI allows you 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.

In this document, we show you how to access the IPMI for a Dell or HP server. See the KVM-over-IP documentation for information about other server models.

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. From the console, click Server > Server list. A list of your servers displays.

2. Click Manage next to the relevant server.

3. Click the IDRAC button on the right. A disclaimer displays.

4. Click I Accept to agree with the terms of the disclaimer.

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

   

6. 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. Click Remote Access Controller under System Details to launch the KVM.
   • The iDDRAC 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 HPE iLO

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

1. From the console, click Server > Server list. A list of your servers displays.

2. Click Manage next to the relevant server.

3. Click the ILO button on the right. A disclaimer displays.

4. Click I Accept to agree with the terms of the disclaimer.

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

   

6. 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.