subject: Guide To Out Of Band Management [print this page] Guide To Out Of Band Management Guide To Out Of Band Management
Out of band management, also known as LOM (lights-out management) uses a dedicated channel for managing and maintaining devices. It will allow an administrator to manage and monitor changes to the network, even if the machine is powered off. Conversely, in-band management relies on regular channels for device management. This method is limited since the device will need to be fully functioning to be managed.
To control routers and network servers remotely, administrators require unrestricted network access, even if there are multiple problems with the system. However, these same problems are also a result of lost access management to those devices. Out of band management, fixes this problem by using a channel that is isolated from the main data channel.
SoC Processors
Modern management systems use SoC or System-on-Chip with a separate Ethernet connection that can be connected through a shared or dedicated Ethernet port. This isolated connection will have its own network settings and IP address. It will continue to remain functional when the server is switched off and can switch on the server if required.
Out of band management will also provide a text and graphical view that can be controlled with the remote keyboard and mouse. It does not matter which operating system the server is using, since most of the management will use BIOS settings. For security, the connection is usually encrypted. Older servers would require an external card to provide this encryption, but all new boards have this function integrated, eliminating the need for extension cards. On the remote side, users can interact with the system by using a web browser or specialized program.
Basic Management Components
A complete out of band or LOM system should include a hardware device known as the LOM module. A program is also required for continually monitoring hardware-related variables such as microprocessor utilization and temperature. The program will also provide options for remote commands, giving the administrator the ability to reinstall the operating system, control fan speed, shut down, reboot, and troubleshoot. The program may integrate traditional tools from in-band management such as BMC, HP Openview, Tivoli, and Computer Associates.
RAC, or Remote Access Card, is another management solution that involves an expansion card on a server or computer that has its own processor, battery, network connection, and memory. This method is very effective, but it is also costly since it will require a dedicated "Systems on Chip."
Some LOM devices are made to function with multiple servers, especially if a KVM switch is used. When attached to a terminal server, system administrators can access all the serial consoles that are connected to the network. If the server is connected to the Internet, network, or dial-up, the administrator can fix network problems with out of band management from any location, even if the network connection is cut.
