IPMI became popular because it was accepted as a standard monitoring interface by hardware vendors and developers. IPMI became popular due to its acceptance as a standard monitoring interface by hardware vendors and developers.
So what is IPMI?
The short answer is that it is a hardware-based solution used for securing, controlling, and managing servers. The comprehensive answer is what this post provides.
What is IPMI Used For?
IPMI refers to a set of computer interface specifications used for out-of-band management. Out-of band refers to the ability to access computer systems from a distance, without the need to be physically present. IPMI allows remote monitoring without the need for permission from a computer’s operating systems. Baseboard Management Controller is this separate hardware. The BMC is an intelligent intermediary. BMC manages interface between platform software and system management software. BMC acts upon reports received from sensors in a system. With these reports, IPMI ensures the system functions at its optimal capacity.
IPMI collaborates with standard specification sets such as the Intelligent Platform Management Bus (IPMB) and the Intelligent Chassis Management Bus (ICMB). These specifications work hand-in-hand to handle system monitoring tasks.
Alongside these standard specification sets, IPMI monitors vital parameters that define the working status of a server’s hardware. IPMI monitors the power supply, fan speeds, server health, details of security, and state of operating system. Use the IPMItool tool to manage IPMI devices. For instructions and IPMItool commands, refer to our guide on how to install IPMItool on Ubuntu or CentOS.
Features and Components of Intelligent Platform Management Interface
IPMI is a vendor-neutral standard specification for server monitoring. It comes with the following features which help with server monitoring:
A Baseboard Management Controller
– This is the micro-controller component central to the functions of an IPMI.
Intelligent Chassis Management Bus
– An interface protocol that supports communication across chasses.
- Intelligent Platform Management Bus – A communication protocol that facilitates communication between controllers.
- IPMI Memory – The memory is a repository for an IPMI sensor’s data records and system event logs.
- Authentication Features – This supports the process of authenticating users and establishing sessions.
- Communications Interfaces – These interfaces define how IPMI messages send. IPMI can send messages through a direct out-of-band local area network or sideband local area network. IPMI communicate through virtual local-area networks.
- Comparing IPMI Versions 1.5 & 2.0The three major versions of IPMI include the first version released in 1998, v1.0, v1.5, and v2.0. Today, both v1.5 and v2.0 are still in use, and they come with different features that define their capabilities.
- Starting with v1.5, its features include:Alert policies
Serial messaging and alerting
LAN messaging and alerting
Platform event filtering
- Updated sensors and event types not available in v1. 0
- Extended BMC messaging in channel mode.
- The updated version, v2.0, comes with added updates which include:
- Firmware Firewall
- Serial over LAN
- VLAN support
Encryption support
- Enhanced authentication
- SMBus system interface
- Analyzing the Benefits of IPMI
- IPMI’s ability to manage many machines in different physical locations is its primary value proposition. Other monitoring tools do not offer the option to monitor and manage systems independently of a machine’s operating system. Other important benefits include:
- Predictive Monitoring – Unexpected server failures lead to downtime. Downtime can cost an enterprise up to. IPMI monitors the status of servers and gives advanced warnings on possible system failures. IPMI monitors thresholds, and alerts users when they are exceeded. Thus, actionable intelligence IPMI provides help with reducing downtime.
Independent, Intelligent Recovery – When system failures occur, IPMI recovers operations to get them back on track. IPMI, unlike other server monitoring software and tools, is always available and facilitates server recovery. IPMI can help with recovery in situations where the server is off.
Vendor-neutral Universal Support – IPMI does not rely on any proprietary hardware. IPMI is supported by most hardware vendors, eliminating compatibility problems. IPMI delivers its server monitoring capabilities in ecosystems with hardware from different vendors.
Agent-less Management – IPMI does not rely on an agent to manage a server’s operating system. It allows you to make changes to BIOS settings without logging in or requesting permission from the OS. The main disadvantages are related to security and usability. User experiences have shown the weaknesses include: $250,000 per hour Cybersecurity Challenges – IPMI communication protocols sometimes leave loopholes that can be exploited by cyber-attacks, and successful breaches are expensive as statistics show. IPMI configuration and installation procedures can leave dedicated servers vulnerable to attack. These security challenges led to the addition of encryption and firmware firewall features in IPMI version 2.0.
Configuration Challenges – The task of configuring IPMI may be challenging in situations where older network settings are skewed. In cases like this, clearing network configuration through a system’s BIOS is capable of solving the configuration challenges encountered.
Updating Challenges – The installation of update patches may sometimes lead to network failure. Switching ports can cause problems. In these situations, rebooting the system is capable of solving the issue that caused the network to fail. Server Monitoring & Management Made EasyIntelligent Platform Management brings ease and versatility to the task of server monitoring and management. Experts expect that the IPMI market will reach the $10001010 mark by 2022. Puyka servers are IPMI-enabled, and you can access IPMI for every server that you use. Sign up now to get started.
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