IPMI — Intelligent Platform Management Interface
Definition
A standardized hardware management interface for monitoring and controlling server hardware (power, temperature, fan speed) independent of the host operating system.
Context & Usage
IPMI is implemented by a baseboard management controller (BMC) — a small microcontroller with its own NIC, OS, and web UI. Vendor-specific implementations: HPE iLO, Dell iDRAC, Lenovo XClarity Controller, Supermicro IPMI. Provides remote power on/off, sensor monitoring, virtual KVM console, and out-of-band BIOS access.
Examples
- Dell iDRAC 9 (IPMI 2.0 compliant)
- Supermicro IPMI 2.0 via X11/X12 BMC
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