Understanding IPMI: The Intelligent Platform Management Interface

The Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) is essential for safely monitoring and controlling remote servers through hardware-based platform management systems.

In this article, we’ll give an introduction to IPMI. We’ll explain IPMI meaning, how it works and why it’s so important in remote server management. We’ll also explain how IPMI management tools work.

Introduction to IPMI and its Importance in Server Management

IPMI stands for Intelligent Platform Management Interface.

The IPMI is a set of standardised specifications for hardware-based platform management systems. It is an industry standard that was developed by Intel in cooperation with Dell, Hewlett Packard and NEC.

Hardware based platform management systems are used to remotely manage and monitor servers. The standard developed by Intel, Dell, Hewlett Packard and NEC covers the interfaces of those systems.

The Components of an IPMI system

The key components of an IPMI system are:

• A baseboard management controller (BMC) – a micro-controller embedded in the motherboard of the server that acts as the main controller for the management system. This is controlled through the interface.
• Intelligent chassis management bus (ICMB) – an interface beneath the BMC that allows communication from one chassis to another.
• Intelligent platform management bus (IPMB) – this connects satellite controllers in the server chassis to the BMC while complying with a communications protocol.
• IPMI memory – records data for the IPMI.
• Communication interfaces – Local system interfaces, a serial interface, LAN interface, ICMB and PCI Management Bus.

The BMC is the most important piece of hardware in the system, managing the interface between system-management software and platform hardware.

When carrying out remote server monitoring and management, management portals or tools are used. These connect to the BMC through the IPMI.

What is IPMI Used For?

IPMI systems are used for remote management of computer servers. IPMI operates independently of a server’s operating system and can be used if the system is not powered on, before the OS has booted or after an OS or system failure.  

With IPMI, server managers can:

IPMI systems are used for remote management of computer servers. IPMI operates independently of a server’s operating system and can be used if the system is not powered on, before the OS has booted or after an OS or system failure.  

With IPMI, server managers can:

• Constantly monitor a server’s health and receive warnings of system failure. It is possible to monitor several system parameters, including temperature, voltage, fan speed and power consumption.
• Recover and restart servers.
• Power a server on and off.
• Access the BIOS and make changes without SSH login or accessing the OS.
• Complete firmware updates and carry out troubleshooting.
• Log server data

It’s also easy to make configuration changes to the IPMI.

IPMI is a Powerful Tool

IPMI, like any remote server management tool, allows a business to centralise its IT resources and reduce hands-on work time. The difference with IPMI and hardware-based platform management systems is that they are more powerful than their alternatives. OS based systems, for example, do not allow access beyond the OS. With IPMI, it’s possible to power on or off a server, install software remotely or do much more.

How to Set Up and Enable IPMI on Your Server

To set up and enable IPMI on your server, you need to access the BIOS or UEFI settings. 

1. Boot up your server, and during the booting process, continuously press delete to access the BIOS/UEFI settings. 
2. Go to the IPMI tab, and then look for BMC Network Configuration. 
3. Within BMC Network Configuration, you need to enable IPMI and configure the settings for IP address, subnet mask and default gateway for remote access.
4. Save the settings once you’ve changed them and reboot the server. 

When the server is running, you can then use IPMI management tools to remotely manage your server.

Different Versions of IPMI

Since it’s first release in 1998, IPMI has undergone several updates.

The latest version (Version 2.0) includes robust security measures related to user identity and access permissions. These measures include user privilege levels and strong password requirements.

Other features of version 2.0 are:

·  Firmware Firewall

·  SMBus System Interface

·  VLAN Support

·  Encryption Support·  Standardized and OEM-specific Payload Types

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does IPMI Stand for, and How is it Used?

IPMI stands for intelligent platform management interface. IPMI is used with hardware-based platform management systems that are used for remote server monitoring and management.

What Tools are Available for IPMI Management?

IPMI management is usually carried out through an IPMI management tool. The management tool connects to the baseboard management controller of a hardware-based platform management system through IPMI.

How is IPMI Protocol Different to Remote Management Software?

IPMI is far more powerful than remote management software, giving you remote control of the BIOS, power supply and sensors.

How do I access the IPMI port to manage a remote server?

To access the IPMI port for managing a remote server, you’ll need to connect to the server’s dedicated management port, which typically uses IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) for out-of-band management. First, ensure that the IPMI port is connected to the network and has an assigned IP address (either through DHCP or a static configuration). You can then access the IPMI web interface by entering the IPMI IP address into a web browser or using an IPMI tool like ipmitool for command-line management. Make sure the necessary ports, such as 623 (for IPMI over UDP), are open on your network.

Which interface allows remote management of servers and network devices?

The IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) allows remote management of servers, providing administrators with the ability to monitor, manage, and troubleshoot systems even when they are powered off or unresponsive. IPMI operates independently of the operating system and is accessible via a dedicated network port. Similarly, protocols like SSH or HTTP/HTTPS interfaces allow remote management of network devices, such as routers and switches, typically through a web-based GUI or command-line interface.

How Do IPMI Management Tools Work?

IPMIs are normally accessed through a management tool. You are able to connect to your IPMI manager by LAN or the internet. The manager then connects with the BMC on the server motherboard through IPMI over internet protocol (IP).

Through the BMC, you can then connect with the server’s BIOS, CPU, OS, power supply and sensors.