Published by Sascha Neumeier
Last updated on January 23, 2024
•
7 minute read
In this article you will learn more about why you should manage your Fujitsu server with iRMC, what this remote management is based on, and why many other server manufacturers also use this technology.
IPMI, BMC, iRMC – What Is It All About?
Well, I don't want to bore the longtime professionals among you readers, nor confuse the newcomers too much. Let us approach the matter simply according to the phrase "Keep it short and simple". 😉
IPMI, the Intelligent Platform Management Interface is an interface that communicates with the Baseboard Management Controller (BMC). The BMC is connected to the basic hardware components of the server, the required communication interfaces, and various sensors built into the hardware.
The BMC starts and is available as soon as the server is supplied with standby power - that means the server can be switched off, but the BMC is fully operational and ready for communication. This allows the server to be administered and monitored even when switched off, for example via a serial connection or the network interface.
Typical features of IPMI are:
- Monitoring of sensor values such as temperature, CPU, memory, overall status
- Transmission of status messages via SNMP
- Starting or shutting down the server
- Read-out of log files
Meanwhile, Redfish is a successor to IPMI, and it is increasingly establishing itself on the market. We have prepared some content for you, so don't miss it. 😊
🔥 Monitor your server hardware (system health) with the Redfish protocol
🔥 Let's talk about sensors! Monitoring with PRTG Redfish sensors
🔥 All about Redfish and how to easily add the sensors in PRTG
Does This Only Work with Fujitsu Hardware?
As already mentioned at the beginning, besides Fujitsu, almost all well-known manufacturers offer their own management consoles. Access to the server hardware's baseboard management controller via the standardized IPMI interface unites all of them.
| Manufacturer | Software | Description |
|---|---|---|
| HP | iLO | Integrated Lights-Out |
| Dell | iDRAC | Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller |
| Lenovo | TMM | ThinkServer Management |
| Fujitsu | iRMC | Integrated Remote Management Controller |
In addition, there are IPMI tools for Linux servers such as IPMItool or FreeIPMI, based on BSD or GPL licensing.
Benefits of Management and Monitoring with iRMC
iRMC enables system control, diagnostics, configuration and server restart via remote access from the built-in web interface, even if the operating system or hardware fails. Errors can be analyzed and resolved immediately. The administrator is notified by e-mail or SMS. In addition, the so-called SOL functionality (Serial Over LAN) allows access to the BIOS.
PRTG Network Monitor & Fujitsu System Health
Now that I have explained the basic functions of IPMI and iRMC to you today, you will soon find out in a follow-up blog article which possibilities the first PRTG Network Monitor native Fujitsu sensor offers you, how to set it up, and which settings you should ideally use with Fujitsu Server View.
Learn More about iRMC
To prepare your hardware and update the firmware before the next iRMC blog article, you can find all necessary information for configuring the iRMC below. It is also important to keep the iRMC firmware as up-to-date as possible. Masa Murayama shows in his blog how to update the iRMC using PowerShell - you can also find the link in the following overview.
- iRMC S5 configuration (excitement starts on page 24)
- iRMC S5 web-interface (Information on manual update of iRMC on page 47)
- How to update Fujitsu iRMC firmware remotely (thanks to Masa Murayama)
- Fujitsu drivers, BIOS and firmware download page
Good luck with the preparation of your servers - see you again in part 2 of this article soon. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to your comments - just scroll down a bit and fill the comment box! 😊
You there!
