Do you prefer to manage your servers on your own?
If yes, then you must have heard of IPMI or Intelligent Platform Management Interface.
If you are considering hosting your website on dedicated servers or bare metal servers, then IPMI is something important you need to have.
In this article, we will be discussing in detail about-
- What is IMPI?
- Why do you need it?
- What are its key benefits?
- How to access IMPI via Core Client Portal?
IMPI Overview
IMPI is basically set of standardized specifications for hardware hardware-based platform management systems. It helps in enabling remote control and server monitoring.
It is crucial for the security of the server. Some of the main functions of IMPI are to monitor the hardware state (including temperature, power consumption, voltage, etc.), record server data and allow access to the server even if the operating system is not installed or fails.
What is IPMI and what are its main benefits?
IPMI is a hardware solution for controlling and managing servers. Compared to the system diagnostic software, IPMI has significant differences and advantages. IPMI allows you to manage servers in remote physical locations regardless of where the operating system is installed.
The main benefits of IPMI are:
- Continuously monitors server health and warns of possible system failures.
- It is server-independent and always accessible.
- Configuration changes are simple.
- Allows users to access and make changes to the BIOS without SSH login or OS access.
- Server recovery is possible even if it is idle.
ServerGuy understands the benefits of IPMI and hence, provides it will all its dedicated servers so that you don’t compromise on ease of access and security.
Main Functions & Components of IPMI
It follows a software-neutral approach, while independent of the BIOS, CPU, and server operating system. This may seem impossible, but the secret behind it is its ability to effectively perform the following four functions:
- Server Monitoring and Monitoring
- Restart and restart the server
- Log Server Status
- List all servers
However, none of this would be possible without the following key components:
- Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) – A micro-controller that is the core and basic component of any IPMI.
- Intelligent Chassis Management Bus (ICMB)- An interface that enables communication from one chassis to another.
- Platform Intelligent Management Bus (IPMB)- Extends BMC through management controllers while adhering to the IPMB communication protocol.
- IPMI Memory- IPMI sensor data log, system event logs, field replaceable drives, and repositories store data.
- Communication Interfaces- These interfaces include the local system interface, serial interface, LAN interface, ICMB, and PCI management bus.
Difference between IPMI v1.5 and v2.0 specifications
The IPMI specification has undergone several updates since version 1.0, and here we list several important additions to v1.5 and v2.0:
IPMI v1.5
- Boot Options
- Alarm policy
- Serial Port Sharing
- Serial messages and alarms
- LAN messages and alerts
- Platform Event Filtering (PEF)
- Expand BMC messaging in channel mode
- Other types of sensors and events
IPMI v2.0
- Hardware Firewall
- SMBus System Interface
- Serial over LAN
- VLAN Support
- Encryption Support
- Extending User Login Options
- Enhanced Authentication
- Standardized and OEM-specific payload types
How to access IPMI via main client portal?
Accessing your IPMI manager is a relatively simple process, but we recommend v2.0 because it has more defined protocols that maximize administrative control of your server.
Once you connect to the IPMI administrator via LAN or Internet, the administrator uses IPMI to connect to the BMC motherboard on the server via IP.
BMC then uses the system bus to connect the BIOS, CPU, operating system, power, and sensors, allowing management of CPU speed, fan speed, voltage, temperature, event log, and restart the server.
Final Words
ServerGuy offers IPMI with all its dedicated servers. We have a team of experts who can manage and maintain your servers 24*7 without any glitch.
This service includes configuration, monitoring, and maintenance in case of potential spam attacks. You can contact us or just leave a comment here. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
