IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) is a special interface for the remote control of a dedicated server. IPMI performs the following functions:
- monitoring,
- remote control,
- installation/reinstallation of the operating system by the user,
- shut down, start and reboot,
- configuring and inventorying logs regardless of server operation.
IPMI is a separate hardware and software device. It can function when the server is currently on or off.
To connect to IPMI you need:
- Username and password,
- Browser,
- Java (if you do not have a Java package installed, download it from the official site.
IPMI Login and Server State Management
- Enter the IPMI IP address in the browser address bar.
- In the login dialog box, enter your username and password.
- Select Remote Control - Power Control.
Here you can perform operations like this:
- Reset Server - "hard" reboot of the server. It is recommended to use it only when the server is not responding and it is impossible to perform a regular reboot from the OS.
- Power Off Server - Immediate - immediate power off of the server. Without the correct shutdown of the OS.
- Power Off Server - Orderly Shutdown - regular shutdown of the server. The OS shuts down correctly.
- Power On Server - turn on the server.
- Power Cycle Server - regular server reboot.
Connecting to the Server Console
Attention! Recommended for advanced users only!
- Install Java Runtime to connect to the console.
- Select Remote Control - Console Redirection.
When starting the console, a startup confirmation window may appear. Check the box next to “I accept the risk and want to run this application”. Then click Run:
When working with the console, it can mount an ISO image of an optical disc. The server will treat it as an external USB drive with a disk. Booting is possible from this disc. Click Virtual Media - Virtual Storage manager to run the image.
In the window that opens:
- Select the CDROM & ISO tab.
- Select the type of ISO File to connect.
- Specify the path to the image file on your computer.
- Connect the image file to the server by clicking Plugin.
- Close the Virtual Storage manager by clicking on OK.
Virtual Keyboard
Not all keyboard shortcuts can be entered using a regular keyboard. They may be the same as those used by the OS on your local computer.
Therefore, you can use Macros (commonly used keyboard shortcuts) in the management console. Choose Macro - Macro - choose the combination you want. The result of choosing a combination will be the same as when you press this combination on a real keyboard connected to the server.
If the built-in macros (keyboard shortcuts) are not enough - you can use the virtual keyboard:
It is recommended to use a special utility IPMI View from SuperMicro instead of a browser. This utility is more convenient to use.
Possible Issues
ATTENTION: If you cannot connect to KVM via IPMI and receive an error (Connection error or another) when working in the web interface or console, write to technical support. We will restart the IPMI module.
500 Internal Server Error
This error can occur when connecting via the insecure HTTP protocol. Change the protocol to HTTPS in the address bar and re-login to IPMI.
Java Application Blocked
When using the IPMI console on a computer for the first time, a Java Runtime blocking alert may appear:
This is a Java security trigger. Add the IPMI address to exceptions to start the console normally. To configure Java, run Configure Java (by default Start-Programs-Java). In the settings, open the Security tab:
Click the Add site list button next to the scrolling list and then Add. Scroll down the list. The new field to add will be at the end of the list.
Enter your IPMI address in the field.
For example, http://IP_IPMI or https://IP_IPMI, where IP_IPMI is the IP address of your IPMI).
When connecting via the HTTP protocol, a warning will appear:
Click Continue!
If you have any questions, please create a ticket to technical support.