LinuxCommandLibrary

ipmitool

Manage servers via IPMI protocol

TLDR

Open IPMI shell on the local hardware

$ sudo ipmitool shell
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Open IPMI shell on a remote host
$ ipmitool -H [ip_address] -U [user_name] shell
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SYNOPSIS

ipmitool [options] command [command_options]

PARAMETERS

-I interface
    Specify the IPMI interface to use (e.g., lan, lanplus, serial)

-H hostname
    Specify the hostname or IP address of the BMC.

-U username
    Specify the username for IPMI authentication.

-P password
    Specify the password for IPMI authentication.

power status
    Get the current power status of the system.

power on
    Power on the system.

power off
    Power off the system (graceful shutdown).

power cycle
    Perform a power cycle of the system.

lan print
    Display LAN configuration parameters.

sensor list
    List all available sensors and their current readings.

sel info
    Display System Event Log information.

sel list
    List entries in the System Event Log.

DESCRIPTION

The ipmitool command is a utility for managing and monitoring servers that support the Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) specification.
It provides a command-line interface to interact with the Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) or other IPMI-enabled devices, allowing users to perform tasks such as querying system information, controlling power, monitoring sensors, and managing the system event log (SEL).
IPMItool can be used to perform out-of-band management, even when the operating system is unavailable, making it a crucial tool for system administrators in data centers and other enterprise environments.
Its versatility and ability to remotely manage hardware make it indispensable for diagnostics and recovery tasks.
IPMItool supports various IPMI communication protocols, including LAN, serial, and system interface.

CAVEATS

Password should be handled with care to avoid security issues.
Some IPMI implementations may have security vulnerabilities.
Ensure IPMI firmware is up to date.

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

When using ipmitool, especially over a network, ensure that appropriate security measures are in place.
Use strong passwords and consider enabling IPMI over a dedicated management network.
Be aware of potential vulnerabilities in IPMI implementations and keep firmware updated.

HISTORY

IPMItool was developed to provide a standardized interface for managing servers using the IPMI protocol.
It has evolved over time to support new IPMI features and communication protocols.
Its usage has increased in parallel with the adoption of IPMI in data centers and enterprise environments, where remote management capabilities are crucial.
Maintained and updated by the open source community, IPMItool remains a vital tool for system administrators.

SEE ALSO

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