subject: An Introduction to Out of Band Management [print this page] An Introduction to Out of Band Management
Out of Band Management is also called lights out management. It refers to a computing process that utilizes dedicated management channels so that system administrators can monitor, review and manage servers that are both off or on. This means servers and accompanying network equipment is remotely controlled, allowing IT professionals to access systems off-site if issues crop up. It is considered more effective compared to in-band management, as equipment and processes are protected from hardware problems. Designating a dedicated, isolated channel to this end ensures elimination of the limits to in-band management.
The out-of-band management concept evolved in the 1980's when the wide area Ethernet networks were introduced. However, its viability was not considered a requirement by network experts prior to the year 2000. The advances in networking and computing technologies eventually saw the approval of out-of-band infrastructure, and the facility to interact remotely with compromised servers was soon allowed. Network administrators can now fully appreciate actual out-of-band access with a Remote Access Card, or RAC, and dedicated NICs.
LOM is an acronym for the system used in out-of-band management. It is comprised of a software program and a module that enables users to assist in monitoring variables such as percentage of usage in a processor, and the temperature of the processor. The LOM system enables remote operations such as system reboot or shutdown, alarm setting, troubleshooting, determination of processor-cooling fan speeds, and reinstalling an operating system where required. Where necessary, the LOM system can combine with tools for in-band management
The LOM system that is most familiar is the one that uses the serial console port of a device, along with a console server or switch. The administrator can self-test hardware on a remotely accessed console server, which techniques and tools for in-band management cannot accomplish. A LOM system can also be a management system that uses an RAC. RACs possess individual microprocessors to provide access to a system bus. Although novel systems are much more effective for remote monitoring and control of a system, they are also much costlier, which is felt more keenly if a corporation is running on a tight budget. As such, the system a company uses is dependent on the money that is available, and also the network and number of servers with which a system is required to function.
Although out-of-band systems are excellent for off-site monitoring of device and data performance, qualified system administrators may also needed to monitor equipment physically. Therefore, while a business owner may save money by running his or her business off-site, he or she cannot neglect staffing costs either. Thus, a company needs a good system that facilitates the business as well as well-qualified staff to run it.
