IPMI, iDRAC and iLO give you out-of-band access to a dedicated server: a separate management controller that works even when the operating system has crashed, the network is misconfigured or the server is powered off. It is how you reinstall, rescue or reboot a server you cannot physically touch. This guide explains how it works and how to use it safely.
Before you start
- A dedicated or bare-metal server where the provider gives you BMC access (IP, username and password), often only via VPN or an allow-listed IP.
- A modern browser; some older BMCs need Java for the console, newer ones use HTML5.
What a BMC is
The Baseboard Management Controller is a small computer on the motherboard with its own network port, powered whenever the server has power. IPMI is the standard protocol many BMCs speak. Vendors add their own interfaces:
| Vendor | Name |
|---|---|
| Dell | iDRAC |
| HPE | iLO |
| Lenovo | XClarity Controller (XCC) |
| Supermicro, ASRock Rack and others | IPMI web interface / BMC |
Newer BMCs also support Redfish, a REST API that replaces much of IPMI.
What you can do with it
- Remote console (KVM over IP) – see the screen and type as if you were at the server, including BIOS and boot menus.
- Power control – power on, off, reset or cycle a frozen server.
- Virtual media – mount an ISO from your computer to install an OS.
- Sensors and logs – temperatures, fans, power supplies and the System Event Log (SEL) that records hardware faults.
Reinstall an OS with the remote console
- Log in to the BMC web interface and open the virtual console.
- Use Virtual Media to map the installer ISO.
- Reboot the server from the power menu and press the boot-menu key (often F11 or F12) in the console.
- Choose the virtual CD/DVD and run the installer as normal.
- Unmap the ISO when finished so the server boots from disk.
ipmitool basics
From Linux, install ipmitool and run commands against the BMC over the network:
ipmitool -I lanplus -H 203.0.113.10 -U admin -P 'password' chassis power statusUseful subcommands: chassis power cycle, sel list (hardware event log) and sdr (sensor readings). From the server itself you can run ipmitool sel list locally as root without credentials.
Keep the BMC secure
Important: Never expose a BMC directly to the internet. BMCs have had serious vulnerabilities, and full console access means full control of the server.
- Keep it on a private management network or VPN, or allow-list your IP.
- Change default passwords and use unique, long ones.
- Update BMC firmware when your provider or vendor releases fixes.
- Disable unused services such as IPMI-over-LAN if you only use the web interface.
Troubleshooting
- Console shows a black screen: the server may be in power-saving mode; press a key or check power status.
- Can't reach the BMC: it may only be reachable through the provider's VPN; ask support.
- Server reboots randomly: read the SEL for power, temperature or memory errors.
FAQ: IPMI, iDRAC and iLO
Does a VPS have IPMI?
No. A VPS uses the provider's VNC or web console in the virtualisation panel instead, which serves the same purpose.
Is IPMI the same as SSH?
No. SSH needs a running OS and network. IPMI works independently of the OS.
Can I install any OS through IPMI?
Yes, any OS the hardware supports, using virtual media.